Vladimir Putin risks direct conflict with American troops as Russia sends barrage of drones to Iran

 Vladimir Putin is set to begin sending supplies to Iran in a bid to bolster the Islamic Republic's war effort against the US and Israel.

Western intelligence services have claimed Russia held secretive talks with Tehran to discuss drone supplies shortly after the the conflict erupted on February 28, the Financial Times has reported. Over the past few weeks, Moscow has provided the Middle Eastern country with intelligence, satellite imagery and targeting data. 

However, the supply of drones would be the first instance of Russia directly handing the Islamic Republic lethal weaponry in the war.And it could set up direct Russian attacks on American forces, with the US said to be considering whether to send the 82nd Airborne Division to seize Kharg Island.

The elite paratrooper unit, dubbed the "Immediate Response Force" and renowned for its parachute assault capabilities, could furnish approximately 3,000 soldiers for a potential operation to seize the island, according to the New York Times.

The strategic Iranian facility handles nine-tenths of the country's petroleum exports, making it a critical target.So far, the White House has downplayed reports of a ground offensive - while Moscow has insisted it has not been helping Iran in the conflict so far. Security officials told the Financial Times that Russia would only be able to supply a handful of different types of drones, including the Geran-2 and the so-called "kamikaze" Shahed-136 models.

When probed about the potential supply of aircraft, Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov refused to confirm or deny the reports. He said: "There are a lot of fakes going around right now. "One thing is true - we are continuing our dialogue with the Iranian leadership." FULL ARTICLE AT: https://www.gbnews.com/news/world/iran-vladimir-putin-direct-conflict-american-troops-russia-drones