European allies are increasingly alarmed that Russia is preparing to deliver advanced drones to Iran, a traditional partner, potentially escalating the war against the United States and Israel. This development follows Iran's significant military aid to Russia during its Ukraine conflict, particularly the initial supply of hundreds of Shahed-136 drones in 2022. Russia then established its own production facility in Yelabuga, Tatarstan, scaling up output from 100 drones monthly in 2023 to thousands, while modifying the Iranian design into a distinctly Russian product.

The concern stems from reports that Russia is transferring satellite intelligence and other data to Iran, which could be used against American bases following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Ukrainian intelligence has confirmed Russia supplied Iran with drones and intelligence used against U.S. facilities in the Middle East.