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Witness for Foundation for Defense of Democracies urges Congress to confront deepening Russia–Iran partnership
Summary
A witness testifying on behalf of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) that Russia and Iran have deepened strategic ties—sharing drones, cyber tools and space capabilities—and urged Congress to renew oversight bodies and support listed internet‑freedom and counter‑proliferation laws.
A witness representing the Foundation for Defense of Democracies told the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (Helsinki Commission) that a growing, operational partnership between Russia and Iran poses new threats to the United States and its democratic partners and that Congress should act to counter those risks.
The witness framed the moment as "an era of great power competition," arguing it would be a mistake to treat Ukraine‑related threats in isolation from the broader Russia–Iran relationship. The testimony described an "axis of aggressors" that includes Russia, China, North Korea and Iran and said those states increasingly "look for low cost ways to magnify their relative power" against the U.S. and allies.
Detailing concrete ties, the witness said Iran has "provided Russia with lethal one‑way attack drones, as well as the capability to domestically manufacture these drones on Russian soil," and that Tehran's material support makes Iran an active participant in operations affecting Europe. The witness also cited reporting that Iran has given roughly "$4 billion worth of weaponry" to Russia since 2022 (presented in testimony as a reported figure, not independently verified in the hearing).
The testimony listed reciprocal assistance from Russia to Iran, including cash, gold recovered from Ukrainian battlefields, cyber tools used to surveil and repress Iranian citizens, and Russian help in space: Russia reportedly launched eight Iranian satellites into low Earth orbit and built a satellite for Iran's sanctioned space agency.
To respond, the witness urged Congress to support internet‑freedom measures and legislation named in testimony—the Freedom Act; the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom and Accountability Act; and the Internet Reach and Access Now Act (referred to in the testimony as the "Iran Act")—to broaden access and accountability online. The witness also recommended that Congress review and renew the mandate of Joint Interagency Task Force 41 (JITF41), established in last year's National Defense Authorization Act, amend its remit to incorporate Ukrainian battlefield lessons relevant to the Persian Gulf and CENTCOM, and conduct an independent congressional review of its findings.
The witness further urged Congressional oversight of provisions included in a 2024 supplemental bill—identified in the testimony as the Fight Crime Act, the MASA Act and the SHIP Act—and asked lawmakers to assess their present status and effectiveness.
"It should never miss an opportunity to put the evolving Russian‑Iranian relationship into bright lights," the witness said, urging public disclosure and pressure to "name, shame and punish this cooperation wherever it manifests itself." The testimony was delivered on behalf of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
