Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Iran has issued a warning to Israel about the consequences of “acting foolishly” after purchasing Russian fighter jets.Tehran recently bought an unspecified number of Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and Ali Shadmani, the deputy coordinator of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) Khatam-al-Anbia central headquarters told local news agency the Student News Network that the country now has stronger capabilities and issued a thinly veiled threat to Israel, according to Reuters.Newsweek reached out to the Iranian Mission to the United Nations and the Russian defense ministry via email outside of business hours.
Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets at an airfield at an unknown location on June 20, 2022.
Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets at an airfield at an unknown location on June 20, 2022.
RIA Novosti/Associated Press
Why It MattersIran’s purchase of Russian fighter jets highlights the strong political and military ties between the two countries, which were only recently further cemented when they signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership treaty. Although the treaty does not mention exchanging arms, it does note that the two countries will develop their “military-technical cooperation.”The purchase and subsequent warning to Israel come after the inauguration of Donald Trump as U.S. president and as tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem have increased, with Iran fearing potential attacks on its nuclear sites.What to KnowDiscussing the reason for Iran’s purchase of the fighter jets, Shadmani said: “Whenever necessary, we make military purchases to strengthen our air, land, and naval forces. […] The production of military equipment has also accelerated.” Then, referencing Tehran’s regional rival, Israel, he said: “If the enemy acts foolishly, it will taste the bitter taste of being hit by our missiles, and none of its interests in the occupied territories will remain safe.”Iran originally announced its intent to buy the jets in 2022 and confirmed the finalized arrangements in 2023. The deputy coordinator of the IRGC’s headquarters did not specify if the fighter jets had been delivered yet and if so, how many.The Russian planes are combat multi-role fighter jets that can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2.25. They have two jets and a wingspan of nearly 50 feet and a length of 70 feet.Iran’s air fleet consists of only a few dozen strike aircraft, including Russian jets and older U.S. models acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution.Tehran’s initial order was for 25 Russian fighter jets, but it was later increased to 50 to replace the U.S.-made Grumman F-14A Tomcats and the F-4E Phantom II aircraft, according to Flug Revue. The German magazine also reported that the first two Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets were delivered to Iran in November 2024.Iran has made numerous threats to its enemies in recent months as tensions with Israel have escalated. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned Jerusalem against conducting an attack on Iran and said in October: “If any attack against our country takes place, our response will be more powerful.”Tehran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also threatened the U.S. and Israel with a “crushing response” in November for attacks on Iran and its allies.What People Are SayingIn a post on X, the account Iran Military wrote: “Gen. Shadmani, the Deputy Coordinator of the Central Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbia (PBUH): Su-35 fighter jets have been purchased, the damaged defense systems have been replaced, and they have been tested in exercises.”Sergej Sumlenny, founder of the European Resilience Initiative Center, wrote: “Thank to @POTUS and his advisors, Iran has got Russia’s most modern Su-35 jets (here: Russia prepares Su-35 for delivery, in Iranian camo). Guess what else Iran has got from nuclear terrorist state Russia, what you do not see on public photos.”What Happens NextIt is not known at this time what Iran will utilize these Russian fighter jets for and when. Iranian-aligned forces in Iraq have recently announced that they suspended their attacks on Israel following the confirmation of the ceasefire deal with Hamas.The world is also watching to see how Trump, a staunch ally of Israel, proceeds in his policy towards Iran.
