Russian-Iranian Deal For Su-35s Finalized, State Media Reports

Contributing sentiments towards policy:

55% : Gen. Hamid Vahedi publicly stated in September that Iran was specifically interested in Russian "4++ generation fighters," with indications pointing to the Su-35 being the type.
53% : An Iranian state-run broadcaster, IRIB, reports Russia and Iran have agreed on the purchase of Su-35 "Flanker-E" fighter jets for the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF).
53% : White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters in February that Iran seeks billions worth of "additional military equipment from Russia including attack helicopters, radars, and the Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft."
48% : IRIB's report cited Iran's permanent representative to the United Nations that a contract has been finalized, but at this time there has not been corresponding confirmation from Russia.
48% : Not long after Iran unveiled its partially underground "Eagle 44" air base last month, what appeared to be a Flanker mockup was spotted in satellite imagery of the facility, further pointing to the type's possible arrival.
46% : Iranian Su-35s, even only two dozen of them, would represent a significant leap in air combat capability over the aging and oft-cannibalized American, Chinese, and Soviet-era fighters in its inventory.
42% : Iran has helped Russia's war effort in Ukraine in multiple ways, including by delivering kamikaze drones for Russia's continued air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, with a potential short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) transfer also still a possibility.
39% : Russia trading arms with Iran, especially existing ones, would help offset large direct costs of procuring additional weaponry for both sides.

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