Vladimir Putin plans to visit Iran this week

Russia plans to meet with leaders of Iran and Turkey as it seeks to expand influence

By Mark Choy

Published: July 18, 2022 12:13pm

Updated: July 18, 2022 1:28pm

Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to visit Iran on Wednesday while U.S. intelligence warns of Moscow's plan to acquire drones from Iran.

The gathering in Tehran will take place as a trilateral meeting with Russia, Iran, and Turkey on issues related to Syria, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Putin's visit follows President Joe Biden’s trip to Israel and Saudi Arabia last week, where Iran's nuclear development was a key issue of talks.

The White House believes that Russia plans to acquire “hundreds” of drones from Iran capable of carrying weapons, as well as for training on how to use the drones. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said these drones will likely be used in the war in Ukraine.

“Our information indicates that the Iranian government is preparing to provide Russia with up to several hundred UAVs, including weapons-capable UAVs on an expedited timeline,” Sullivan told reporters last Monday, according to the AP wire service.