The Financial Times has revealed that Iran has concluded a secret agreement with Russia worth nearly €500 million, equivalent to $590 million, to purchase thousands of advanced portable missiles as part of efforts to rebuild its air defence system.
According to information obtained by Financial Times, the deal was finalised in Moscow in December 2025. There was no immediate comment from Tehran or Moscow regarding the report.
Under the agreement, Russia will supply Iran over a three year period with 500 portable launch platforms of the “Verba” type, along with 2,500 “9M336” missiles.
Delivery of the missiles is scheduled in three separate phases between 2027 and 2029. However, some informed sources indicated that certain systems may have already been delivered to Iran ahead of the planned timetable, according to Anadolu Agency.
The sources added that following attacks carried out by Israel and the United States on Iran in June 2025, and the 12 day war that followed, Tehran formally requested these defensive systems from Russia in July 2025.
Iran reportedly submitted the request with the aim of strengthening its defensive capabilities and protecting its strategic facilities after those attacks.
Verba System and Regional Escalation
The “Verba” platform is regarded as one of Russia’s most advanced air defence systems. It can be effectively used against guided missiles and low flying drones.
In recent weeks, the United States has reinforced its military presence in the region and deployed additional naval assets, despite ongoing negotiations with Tehran, amid threats of a potential attack on Iran.
Washington is demanding that Iran completely halt its uranium enrichment activities and transfer enriched uranium outside the country.
The United States also seeks to place Iran’s missile programme and its support for armed groups in the region on the negotiating table. Tehran, however, has repeatedly affirmed that it will not negotiate on any matters beyond its nuclear programme.
Iran maintains that Washington and Israel are fabricating pretexts to justify intervention and regime change, and has vowed to respond to any attack, even if limited. It continues to insist on the lifting of Western economic sanctions imposed on it in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme.
In June 2025, Tel Aviv launched an aggression against Iran, followed by US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Tehran responded by targeting wide areas in Israel. After 12 days, Washington announced a ceasefire.
