The Iran-Russia Alliance

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Russia’s use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine reveals that the alliance between Moscow and Tehran is more multifaceted and dangerous than previously understood. Indeed, the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 loitering munitions have inflicted heavy damage on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure. Moreover, the Wall Street Journal revealed that “Moscow and Tehran are moving ahead with plans to build a new factory in Russia that could make at least 6,000 Iranian-designed drones.” Not only will this joint venture resupply Russia’s arsenal, but it will also lead to an increase in the size and sophistication of Iran’s defense industrial base. What is the full extent of the threat? How should the United States respond?