Iran and Russia cement alliance with grain, drones and satellites

TEHRAN — Iran and Russia are forging closer ties than ever, as their international isolation pushes the two staunch American foes toward more trade and military cooperation, alarming Washington.

In July, Iran became the world’s largest buyer of Russian wheat. This month, Russia launched an Iranian satellite into space, a rare success for Tehran’s space program. And last week, the Iranian military held joint drone exercises with Russian forces, as the United States warns that Moscow is preparing to receive Iranian drones for use in the war in Ukraine.