Tehran’s Bold Move: Russian Jets and Nukes for a US Showdown
Iran is intensifying its military buildup, including Russian fighter jets and European missile components, while boosting defense spending to prepare for a potential decade-long conflict with the US and Israel. Despite setbacks to its nuclear program, Tehran’s leadership remains defiant, signaling readiness for confrontation through strategic rearmament.
Iran signaled its intent to prepare for a prolonged war with Israel and the United States, with top commanders and lawmakers rallying behind a massive military buildup. Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani, Deputy Chief of Staff, declared, “We have enough supplies to wage war for 10 years if necessary,” emphasizing Iran’s resolve to strengthen its military and nuclear ambitions despite recent setbacks. “We are prepared for confrontation,” he added, reflecting Tehran’s belief that a clash with Western powers is inevitable. On July 6, Iran’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, with 120 lawmakers’ support, endorsed a bill to significantly boost defense spending for the IRGC, Army, and Defense Ministry. State media confirmed the legislation’s backing by senior defense and intelligence officials, signaling unified regime commitment.
Iran’s strategy extends beyond domestic funding. A senior IRGC official announced the purchase of Russian Sukhoi-35 fighter jets, a major upgrade to Iran’s aging air force, enhancing its capability to counter Israel’s F-35s. Though details on numbers and delivery remain undisclosed, the deal underscores deepening Iran-Russia ties. Additionally, German intelligence reports highlight Iran’s covert efforts to acquire missile components from Europe through third-party networks, with activity described as “high, and on the rise.” These components, found in Iran-supplied drones used in Ukraine, include over 50 Western-origin parts, raising alarms about technology leaks. Iran’s missile program, one of the Middle East’s largest, continues to grow, with thousands of missiles and drones stored in secure locations, according to Supreme Leader advisor Rahim Safavi.
Despite devastating strikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, Iran remains defiant, with ongoing efforts to restore enrichment capabilities. Social media posts on X warn of Iran’s rearmament, with one user stating, “Tehran’s Sukhoi-35 deal signals a new arms race.” The buildup, including Chinese HQ-9B air defense systems, suggests Iran is bracing for a long-term confrontation, though integrating advanced systems will take years. With 610 Iranian and 30 Israeli deaths in the recent conflict, Iran’s aggressive posture risks escalating regional tensions further.