Iran has signed a 500 million euro arms agreement with Russia to acquire advanced shoulder-fired missile systems, according to a report by a London-based financial newspaper. The deal includes 500 Verba launch units and 2,500 associated missiles, with deliveries scheduled in phases between 2027 and 2029. The agreement was signed in Moscow in December and follows Tehran’s request last July after its air defenses were significantly weakened by Israeli airstrikes.

The Verba system is among Russia’s most modern portable air defense platforms, designed to target cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, and drones using infrared guidance. Some sources familiar with the arrangement indicated that a limited number of systems may have already been delivered ahead of the official schedule.

The agreement was negotiated between Russia’s state arms export agency and representatives of Iran’s defense ministry. Analysts cited in the report suggested Moscow may see the deal as a way to strengthen ties with Tehran after declining to provide direct assistance during recent Israeli and American strikes. Russian and Iranian officials did not comment publicly on the reported agreement.