Rumors and speculation arised in the iranian cyberspace over the viral satellite image which recorded for the first time a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter at an iranian air force base in the south of the Country (Bandar Abbas) shortly after participating in the Aero India 2025.
The rumors spread because there have been speculations recently over the confirmation of the first sale of the aircraft to a foreign customer. Different viral videos emerged confirming the presence of the fighter Jet at the base together with other aircrafts, some iranians, some seen in India few days earlier.
Some reports (i will post the link to a specialised article on the issue below), say the aircraft was shown in a China event in november (Zhuhai Air Show) and then later presented in India.
Among the speculations the first question arised was: how the aircraft ended up landing in Iran at the first place. Different explanations have been provided in the aforementioned article. A possible engine issue delaying its departure can be a logic explanation. However some believe that the visit could have had a strategic objective, also in the context of the visit of FM Lavrov to Teheran and the strengthening of the military ties with Russia.
The SU-57 would mean a significant upgrade of the iranian old air force. Recently, an announcement concering the SU-57 model confirmed for the first time the sale to a foreign customer (it could be Algeria but Russian TV hints at further deals).
The eventual rumored deal would have to navigate through the international sanctions and restrictions but Teheran argues that it is perfectly legitimate at this point to do business in the field of defense.
Moreover, it looks with suspicion and concern the potential US Russia rapprochement, which could imply Russia abandoning Teheran as it did in Syria for the sake if its relations with Washington. And this despite the visit of Lavrov to Teheran on february 25.
link to the article here: https://www.armyrecognition.com/military-products