The U.S. says Russia and Iran’s alliance has evolved into a full-fledged defense partnership.
According to U.S. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, Russia is providing unprecedented military assistance.
He added that the U.S. had heard reports that the two countries are exploring collaborative development of lethal drones.
Australia has issued sanctions against three Iranians and one Iranian company for supplying Russia with drones for use against Ukraine.
Russia-Iran cooperation has recently been emphasized, with Ukraine accusing Russia of utilizing Iranian drones in its attacks.
After first denied deploying drones to Russia, the Middle Eastern government eventually agreed to supply some before Ukraine’s war.
Mr. Kirby stated that collaborating with Iran and Russia to manufacture drones would be detrimental to Ukraine, Iran’s neighbors, and the international community.
He added that the U.S. is concerned that Russia intends to “supply Iran with refined military components,” such as helicopters and air protection systems. He claimed that Russia wanted to work with Iran on developing weapons and providing training.
“He said, “Iran has emerged as Russia’s most significant military ally. “Russia has been attacking the electrical grid with Iranian drones, depriving millions of Ukrainians of heat, light, and other necessities. People are dying due to Iran’s actions in Ukraine today.”
In reaction to Mr. Kirby’s remarks, U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated that Iran has become one of Russia’s primary military supporters and that their relationship is gathering worldwide security.
According to him, Iran has sent hundreds of drones to Russia as part of “dim deals” between the two countries.
He said, “in exchange, Russia is providing the Iranian government with military and technological support, raising the risk it poses to our friends in the Middle East and international security.”
He stated that the U.K. and the U.S. believed Iranian support for the Russian military would rise in the leading months as Russia looked for more weapons, like hundreds of ballistic missiles.
Ukraine alleges Iran has given Russia “kamikaze” drones used in a string of attacks on October 17 that left at least eight people dead.
After initially denying allegations, Iran eventually agreed to transfer “several months” before the conflict in Ukraine, and a “small number” of drones were sent to Russia.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, stated that this was a hoax and that approximately ten Iranian drones were being shot down daily by Ukraine.
On Saturday, Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, released the following statement: “Iran’s role in reducing global security is demonstrated by the sale of drones to Russia. This listing stresses that those who assist Russia materially will face the consequences.”
In response to the cruel treatment of anti-government protestors after the murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in jail earlier this year, she also announced sanctions against 19 other people and two companies, including Iran’s Morality Police.
