British defence minister implies Russian leader's covert influence on Iran's strategic moves

Russian President Vladimir Putin is suspected by UK Defence Minister John Healey of exerting a "hidden hand" in Iran's deployment of drone attacks against the United States and Israel, with Healey voicing his concerns on Thursday.

n

Healey's remarks came in the context of the Middle East conflict, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched a strike against Iran, prompting a retaliatory response from Tehran.

n

As part of an ongoing investigation, officials are currently analysing an Iranian-made drone that struck the UK's Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus on March 1, searching for any signs of Russian or other foreign components and parts.

n

According to Healey, the findings of this analysis will be made public in due course, with the minister noting that it would come as no surprise if Putin's influence was found to be behind some of Iran's tactics and military capabilities.

n

Healey's comments were made during a visit to Britain's military headquarters in Northwood, near London, where he highlighted the potential benefits to Putin of the current high oil prices and the close alliance between Russia and Iran.

n

Russia and Iran agreed last year to cooperate in countering "common threats", and their partnership has raised concerns about potential Russian support for Iran in the conflict.

n

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he had no indication of Russian support for Iran, but noted that even if such support existed, it was not having a significant impact.

n

Nick Perry, the British military's chief of joint operations, informed Healey that there were clear signs of a link between Russia and Iran, including the use of drones by Iran, which appears to have been influenced by Russian tactics.

n

The drone attack on the Akrotiri air force base on March 1 resulted in no injuries, although it did damage a hangar, and British warplanes successfully shot down two further drones heading towards the base on the same day.

n

Meanwhile, Guy Foden, a brigadier in the British army, briefed Healey on the role of UK troops in helping to shoot down two Iranian drones on Wednesday at a military base in Erbil, Iraq, which houses international coalition troops.