US fears Wagner mercenaries are preparing to bolster Hezbollah’s air defenses in Lebanon as Middle East tensions reach boiling point after America conducted airstrike on Iraq

The White House on Tuesday called out growing military ties between Russia and Iran, saying Kremlin-backed mercenary Wagner was preparing to provide air defense support to Tehran-backed Hezbollah forces.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby released the information on Tuesday, following repeated warnings from President Biden and top US officials to other actors to avoid exploiting Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

Israel hopes to avoid an extended front in Lebanon while continuing its efforts in Gaza. At the same time, US forces in the region have reported facing dozens of attacks from Iran-backed allies.

“Our information further indicates that Wagner, at the direction of the Russian government, was preparing to provide air defense capabilities to Hezbollah or Iran,” Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.

He said the US would “keep a close eye on whether Wagner supplies military equipment to Hezbollah or Iran.” “We are certainly prepared to use our counter-terrorism sanctions authorities against Russian individuals or entities that could carry out these destabilizing transfers,” he said.

CNN previously reported that the Wagner Group, formerly led by late Putin ally and rival Yevgeny Prigozhin, had been ordered to supply SA-22 missile defense systems from Syria to Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

The Tehran-backed group has a robust military presence tens of thousands of rockets.

Kirby also reviewed Iran’s military ties with the Kremlin, including a deal to buy SU-35 fighter jets from Russia, along with efforts to purchase attack helicopters, radars and other equipment.

National security spokesman John Kirby made the accusations during a news conference at the White House

The White House said Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group were willing to help Hezbollah or Iran

Wagner’s forces are among the most effective forces in Russia’s war in Ukraine

Earlier this year, Iran announced it had completed a deal to buy SU 35 fighter jets from Russia. Iran is trying to buy additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and fighter trainer aircraft. In total, Iran is requesting billions of dollars worth of military equipment from Russia to strengthen its military capabilities.

Meanwhile, Russia “has also assisted Iran in developing and maintaining its capabilities for satellite collection and other space-based programs,” he said.

He focused the threat of sanctions on the already heavily sanctioned Russian government. Tehran is also one of the most sanctioned regimes in the world.

“We are certainly prepared to use our counter-terrorism sanctions authorities against Russian individuals or entities that could carry out these destabilizing transfers,” Kirby said.