Paul Iddon

Director General of Armament and Equipment at the Iraqi Ministry of Defence Major General Mohammed ... [+] Hussein (R) and head of Airbus Helicopters

Russia is considering sending Iran and its militia allies more advanced weapons that could worsen the confrontation between Iran and Israel.

Perhaps the most notable part of the report is that Iraq won’t have the option of acquiring long-range Meteor air-to-air missiles along with its Rafales.

The M119 delivery is anything but a game-changer. It is barely a blip on the radar compared to the heavier and more advanced weaponry in Iraq’s arsenal.

Israel's weapon of choice in its attack on Iran was air-lanched ballistic missiles, which struck targets rapidly with minimal risk to its aircraft.

ISRAEL - A view of fighter jet being prepared ahead of Israeli army's attack on Iran, on October 26, ... [+] 2024 in Israel. (Photo by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Iran has focused on building offensive ballistic missiles while its air defenses have lapsed, leaving the nation vulnerable to Israeli strikes.

Attack helicopters armed with cannons are finding new missions countering drones in Israel and Ukraine, but they're no substitute for missiles.

Analysis: Israel has indicated that Russia could play a part in a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. But what would Moscow be expected to do?

US troops have been in Syria since 2015 to counter ISIS. But President Trump's return adds new uncertainty to the highly volatile region.