Russia’s influence may be quietly aiding Iran’s military operations in the ongoing conflict with the United States, according to the United Kingdom’s defence secretary, who warned that President Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hand” could be shaping Iranian tactics on the battlefield.

John Healey made the assessment after receiving briefings from senior British military officers about recent drone attacks carried out by Iran and its regional allies.

The attacks included a strike on a coalition military base in Erbil, northern Iraq, where Western forces are stationed.

British personnel were present at the base, and a UK counter-drone unit intercepted several incoming drones during the assault.

Healey said the operational methods used in these attacks suggest that Iranian drone operators are increasingly adopting techniques associated with Russian military operations.

British commanders reported that the drones were flying at much lower altitudes than previously observed, a tactic that makes them more difficult to detect and intercept and has been widely used in Russia’s drone campaign in Ukraine.

Military officials indicated that the shift in tactics may reflect the transfer of operational knowledge between Moscow and Tehran.

According to assessments presented to the defence secretary, Russia may be providing advice or technical guidance on how to deploy long-range attack drones more effectively.

The weapons involved are believed to include Shahed-type drones, systems that have become a central feature of both Iranian and Russian aerial strategies in recent conflicts.

These loitering munitions are capable of travelling long distances before striking targets, making them a significant threat to military bases and infrastructure.

The comments come as tensions across the Middle East have intensified following large-scale military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran.

In response, Iran has launched waves of missiles and drones targeting military installations and shipping routes across the region.

More than two thousand Iranian drones have reportedly been launched across the Middle East since the escalation began, according to military assessments discussed during Healey’s briefing.

Western forces have intercepted many of the incoming aircraft, but several attacks have still reached their targets.

Healey also suggested that the geopolitical consequences of the conflict could benefit Moscow.

Surging oil prices triggered by the war could provide Russia with additional revenue at a time when it continues to finance its military operations elsewhere.

Russia has publicly denied assisting Iran’s military operations.

However, intelligence assessments cited by Western officials indicate growing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the development and use of drone technology.

The warning from Britain’s defence leadership highlights mounting concern among Western governments that the conflict in the Middle East may be increasingly intertwined with broader geopolitical rivalries, linking Iran’s confrontation with the United States and Israel to Russia’s strategic interests.