Sharjah 24 – AFP: The United States on Friday expressed alarm over a "full scale defence partnership" between Russia and Iran, describing it as "harmful" to Ukraine, Iran's neighbours and the world.

"Russia is seeking to collaborate with Iran, in areas like weapons development, training," White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

Russia "is offering Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support -- that is transforming their relationship into a fully fledged defence partnership," he told reporters.

"We have also seen reports that Moscow and Tehran are considering the establishment of a joint production line for lethal drones in Russia. We urge Iran to reverse course (and) not to take these steps."

Kirby said that the United States would sanction three Russian-based entities active in "the acquisition and use of Iranian drones."

Last month, Tehran admitted it had sent drones to Russia, but insisted they were supplied before the invasion of Ukraine.