Monitoring Desk
Islamabad: The United States has accused Russia of providing advanced military assistance to Iran, including air defence systems, as it said that the two countries were enhancing their military ties, with Moscow using Tehran’s drones in its war against Ukraine.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said while citing US intelligence reports that Russia was providing Iran “an unprecedented level” of military and technical support that was transforming their ties into a full-fledged defense partnership”.
Kirby added that a partnership between Moscow and Tehran to produce drones would be harmful to Ukraine, Iran’s neighbours and the international community.
Use of Iranian drones in Ukraine conflict
Last month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky alleged Iran of “lying” and “terrorist cooperation” by assisting Russia in Ukraine war. Previously, Iran had also admitted to supplying the UAVs to Moscow, but only before the invasion.
The West has been of the view that Russia used Iranian “kamikaze” drones to target key infrastructure sites in Ukraine, but Tehran and Moscow had denied it.
