Iran-Russia ties will likely continue to deepen through 2030, helping Iran rebuild military capabilities and remain resilient under pressure, while giving Russia a partner that helps constrain U.S. influence, though mistrust, competing interests and a ceiling on mutual support will nevertheless limit how far the relationship can develop. Iran and Russia have long had a shared interest in curbing U.S. influence and presence in the Middle East. Ensuring the survival of the regimes against external pressure and reducing vulnerability to sanctions and economic pressure have also driven their cooperation. Since the start of the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, Russia has expanded military support to Iran, supplying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) components and reportedly offering more advanced systems, including Starlink-enabled, jet-powered, autonomous navigation and reconnaissance variants.