The story: Iran's defense minister has downplayed "speculation" about the possible purchase of advanced Sukhoi-35 (Su-35) fighter jets from Russia. This contradicts earlier reports from official sources in Tehran which portrayed such an accord as a done deal.

Meanwhile, Iran says it is preparing to unveil its first "hypersonic" missile, months after claiming to have developed the advanced projectile. Given that Russia is the only country that has reportedly deployed such weapons, an Iranian hypersonic missile would raise questions about any foreign dimensions to the project.

The coverage: Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani on May 28 dismissed reports that Iran is close to acquiring advanced...