I know most; if not all, of the Iranian brothers feel proud in their R&D achievements and they should be; however there is no need to re-invent the wheel and waste valuable time and resources in it. It will be ideal to buy and integrate anything IF AND WHEN available.
I mentioned this before in some Iranian thread that this is the best time for Iran to get Fighters from Russia. Yes, the Russians did not deliver on signed contracts but this is a different WORLD now. In the current Ukraine standoff between West and Russia; Russia will do anything to increase its influence and exports. US is soon going to sanction them more on the standoff and will try to corner it. This is the best time for Iran to get its urgent Air Force needs met.
Although for IRAN; SAM's, Cruise and Ballistic Missiles will be a good defense/offense against a Nato+Israel onslaught but against a unilateral Israeli threat a good Air Force will make sure the Israelis think 10 times before launching any surprise attack.
Now Iran already has Mig29 in its fleet and has managed to keep it airborne. Plus the Mikoyan corp is also desperately looking for buyers. So, on fast track basis Iran can order more Mig35 from Russia and get their current fleet upgraded as well with local assembly, overhaul and maintenance rights. For the long term Su30 will be an excellent replacement of the F14 and can even threaten to take the fight back to Israeli boundaries with its long range and weapons load.
