Russian arms delivery to Tehran fuels Middle East tension

German daily "Bild" reports that a Russian Il-76, which Russians typically use to transport weaponry, landed in Tehran over the weekend. In addition, Russian propagandists are spreading the theory that this is connected to Moscow's involvement in Iran's planned attack on Israel.

The situation in the Middle East is the most tense it has been in months and threatens further escalation of the ongoing conflict on various fronts between Israel and Iran, as well as its allies, Palestinian Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Yemeni Houthi movement.

On Tuesday, a Hezbollah military leader, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an Israeli attack on Beirut. On Wednesday, in an attack on Tehran also attributed to Israel, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed. Both Iranian and Hezbollah leaders, as well as Palestinian Hamas, have already announced retaliation.

German "Bild" reports that a Russian Il-76, which serves the Russians for transporting weaponry, landed in Tehran over the weekend. The newspaper suggests that Russian S-300 anti-aircraft system elements might have been on board.

Additionally, "Bild" emphasizes that Russian propagandists spread rumours on the Telegram network, suggesting that Moscow might get involved in Iran's retaliation against Israel.

The newspaper emphasizes that there is no evidence to support these claims, but the cooperation between the Kremlin and Tehran is no secret. It intensified after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The Russians are using, among other things, Iranian-made kamikaze drones - Shahed - in Ukraine, which are used for night raids on targets in Ukraine.

Israel is preparing for anticipated attacks by Iran and Hezbollah. Ministers have been given satellite phones, and a bunker has been prepared for the command - according to media reports. A new alarm system for the population has also been tested, and the Ministry of Transport is organizing cruises for those stranded due to cancelled flights.

The military command responsible for civil defence has also completed tests of a new alarm system for the population. The system sends SMS warnings to all cell phone holders in a given area. The command pointed out that the system will help in emergencies, such as a rocket attack on Israel. In addition, Israel has an alarm siren system, and in case of a threat, warnings are also visible in the civil defence app and broadcast in the media.

Source: "Bild"/PAP