- February 23, 2026
- 4:17 pm
- Video
On February 23, 2026, Ukrainian journalist Vitaly Portnikov published a video “Putin Saves Iran,” in which he analyzed information from Financial Times about a possible secret agreement between Russia and Iran. It concerns a significant strengthening of Tehran’s air defense amid threats of a new strike from the United States.
The topic directly concerns not only the Middle East but also Ukraine, as well as Israel’s strategic security.
Video:
Military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran: what is known
According to Financial Times, the parties agreed on the supply of Russian short-range air defense systems. The focus is on the “Verba” complex, designed to hit air targets in conditions of thermal interference.
Why it matters
If the information is confirmed, Iran receives additional protection at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump publicly allows the possibility of a pinpoint strike on Iranian military facilities.
Strengthening air defense does not make Iran invulnerable. But it increases the cost of any military scenario and reduces the element of surprise.
In fact, Moscow demonstrates readiness to support an ally even without a formal commitment to military protection.
Israeli context: is the balance of power changing
For Israel, the issue of strengthening Iranian defense is not theoretical. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated the need to contain Tehran’s nuclear and missile ambitions.
If Iran receives additional air defense means, it affects Jerusalem’s calculations.
In conditions of high tension on the northern borders and ongoing regional confrontation, any changes in Iran’s military potential require a review of response scenarios.
That is why such topics are regularly analyzed in publications by NAnovosti — News for Israel | Nikk.Agency, where attention is paid not to statements but to the consequences for regional security.
The U.S. paradox and the Ukrainian factor
Portnikov in his analysis draws attention to the parallel.
The U.S. continues to emphasize its mediating role in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, while Moscow expands military cooperation with Iran.
Against the backdrop of Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, the issue of supporting air defense systems for Kyiv remains a subject of discussion. Simultaneously, Russia strengthens the defense of a state that openly opposes Israel and the United States.
Chinese component
A separate element is the role of the People’s Republic of China.
Purchases by Chinese companies of Russian and Iranian oil create a financial basis for the continuation of military-technical cooperation. Formally, Beijing does not participate in arms supplies, but economic mechanisms allow Moscow and Tehran to mitigate sanction pressure.
Geopolitical consequences
If air defense supplies are expanded, it will boost Tehran’s confidence in confronting the U.S. and complicate potential operations in the region.
For Israel, this means the need to consider new risk factors.
For Ukraine, it is additional confirmation that Moscow is actively strengthening external alliances despite the war.
For the U.S., it is a test of the ability to respond to the formation of alternative military-political ties.
Portnikov’s publication is not an emotional commentary but an attempt to show the interconnection of three processes: Russia’s war against Ukraine, the U.S.-Iran confrontation, and the growing role of China in the global economy.
The video “Putin Saves Iran” can be watched on Vitaly Portnikov’s channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTUjZF2OVKU
The editorial team will continue to monitor the development of Russian-Iranian cooperation and its impact on the security of Israel and the entire Middle East.
