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Analysis

Is Iran getting the Biden administration’s message on Russia?

Observers report internal debates in the Islamic Republic over supplying drones; Netanyahu racks up three invitations in one week to talk with counterparts in other nations.

Burns CIA
CIA Director William Burns (C) departs an event in the Rose Garden of the White House May 25, 2023 in Washington, DC. — Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Signs of debate in Tehran over Russia policy 

CIA Director William Burns on Thursday warned about security ties between Iran and Russia, especially if Russia were to provide combat aircraft to Iran. The warning comes as the US this week deployed a Marine expeditionary unit, Air Force F-16 and F-35 fighter jets , and a missile destroyer to the Persian Gulf, as Jared Szuba reports.  

In response, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces, said Thursday, "We have achieved sustainable and efficient deterrence” to avoid a military strike,” as reported by our correspondent in Tehran. 

In addition to the increased show of firepower, US President Joe Biden, prior to a White House meeting with his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog, reaffirmed that there is no daylight between the US administration and the Israeli government on preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, as Rina Bassist reports. 

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