An Iranian-linked drone struck a base in Iraq housing some British troops on Tuesday, as UK Defence Secretary John Healey asserted that Russia’s “hidden hand” is likely guiding Iranian responses to the ongoing conflict initiated by the United States and Israel. No British personnel were injured in the attack.
Healey told reporters during a visit to the UK’s Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ) that the attacks by Iranian forces across the Middle East “have the hallmarks” of Russian military tactics employed during the war in Ukraine. He specifically cited a shift in Iran’s drone usage, noting that Tehran previously supplied thousands of “Shahed” drones to Russia, which were then adapted for Russian use. Now, Healey suggested, lessons learned from the Ukrainian conflict appear to be informing Iranian tactics.
“No one will be surprised to believe that Putin’s hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics, potentially some of their capabilities as well,” Healey stated. He linked this potential Russian support to the surge in global oil prices, arguing that President Putin is “clearly likely to welcome this war more than anyone else.”
The price of oil has spiked following Iran’s disruption of shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route. According to Reuters, the Kremlin and Washington discussed the war in Iran and prospects for peace in Ukraine on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Lieutenant General Nick Perry, the chief of joint operations overseeing all UK military operations, confirmed a “definitive” link between Russia and Iran, citing a long-standing military relationship. “We have definitely seen the Iranian tactics of the use of their drones learnt from Russians – flying them much lower so they are more effective,” Perry said, observing that Iranian tactics have demonstrably changed.
British forces shot down two drones targeting a military base in Erbil, northern Iraq, overnight, according to a military commander who briefed Healey. Several drones impacted the camp, though no British casualties were reported. The commander also noted reports of US casualties, none of which were serious.
Healey revealed that components from a drone that landed near a hangar at a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus on the second day of the war are being investigated for potential Russian-made parts. “We will update you on the findings from that,” he said.
The developments come after a telephone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, during which Putin reportedly shared proposals for a quick settlement to the conflict in Iran, according to the Kremlin. PBS NewsHour reported on the call, noting it was initiated by the Oval Office.
Trump has also signaled a potential willingness to lift oil sanctions on Russia, a move that analysts suggest would primarily benefit Putin, as reported by the Independent. This occurred as Trump delivered what was described as “bafflingly mixed messages” regarding the conclude of the war in Iran.
