ISW: Iran has purchased Su-35 fighters from Russia

"The Iranian regime has reportedly purchased Sukhoi Su-35 fighters from Russia. The Times of Israel reported that Russia is preparing to supply Iran with up to 24 Su-35 warplanes in the near future, citing Western intelligence officials," said the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Report informs.

According to the Institute, Asa'ib Ahl al Haq-affiliated Sabreen News additionally claimed that Iran will station a squadron of Russian Su-35 fighter jets at the 8th Shakari Base in Esfahan Province: "US intelligence officials had previously warned of strengthening Russo-Iranian ties on December 17."

"Russian Su-35 fighters are fourth-generation aircraft without stealth characteristics and thus pose a limited threat to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other regional adversaries. Iran may employ them to support IRGC and Iranian proxy militia personnel in Iraq and Syria, however. The Iranians have long sought Russian combat aircraft, likely in part to reduce their reliance on the Russian Air Force to provide air support to the activities of Iran and its proxies in Iraq and Syria.

"President Ebrahim Raisi appointed Mohammad Reza Farzin as the Central Bank of Iran Chief on December 29. Farzin's appointment likely reflects the regime's growing concern with the Iranian rial's decline in recent months, although it is unclear how his appointment will rectify Iran's deteriorating economic conditions and endemic corruption," the ISW said.