Iran has accepted Russia's proposal to establish a joint air defense system and called on Iraq to participate in the project to strengthen its defenses against air attacks, Pravda.Ru columnist Lyubov Stepushova reported, citing regional media and Iranian government sources.

The recent 12-day war with Israel exposed the vulnerabilities of Iran's air defenses, which were unable to effectively counter Israeli aircraft and missile strikes. Amid threats of further attacks, Tehran has stepped up efforts to strengthen its defenses. Arab Telegram channels, including Iraq's Safi al-Din, report that in talks with Baghdad at the government and intelligence chief level, both countries recognized the need for joint measures. This stems from Iraq's inability to prevent Israeli aircraft from flying through its airspace to launch strikes on Iran.

A key outcome was Tehran's offer to Baghdad to join multilateral negotiations with Russia, China, and North Korea for the purchase of modern air defense systems. According to a source in the Iranian Ministry of Defense, cited by Al-Jarida, Tehran recently received a batch of upgraded Russian MiG-29 fighters, comparable in capabilities to fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, as well as components for the Su-35. These aircraft are designed to provide airspace cover against Israeli F-15s and F-16s. To counter the more modern F-22s and F-35s, Iran requires the Su-35s, which are expected to be delivered soon.

Iran is also negotiating the purchase of Chinese J-10, J-20, and J-35 fighters, but their integration is complicated by the lack of compatible Chinese air defense systems and radars, as well as the need for extensive pilot training. Meanwhile, the Iranian Air Force already has experience operating MiG-29s, which were supplied by the Soviet Union. The acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems is also under discussion, as evidenced by Tehran's offer to Baghdad to join the Russian-backed air defense system.

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow had offered Iran a comprehensive air defense system, but Tehran preferred to rely on its own developments. However, on October 2, Russia announced the entry into force of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement with Iran, signed in April 2024. The document provides for security and defense cooperation to counter common threats, but does not obligate the parties to mutual military defense. Moscow also confirmed its waiver of UN sanctions against Iran, reinstated under the automatic snapback mechanism due to its failure to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal.