As it issued a warning about the strengthening of defense relations between Moscow and Tehran and the use of Iranian drones by Russia to attack targets in Ukraine, the United States accused Russia of giving Iran advanced military support, including air defense systems.
The claims were supported by US intelligence assessments, according to White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who also claimed that Russia was providing Iran with “an unprecedented level of military and technical support that is transforming their relationship into a full-fledged defense partnership.”
Washington has repeatedly criticized Iran and Russia’s security collaboration, but on Friday it outlined a broad partnership spanning helicopters, fighter jets, and drones, the latter of which led to fresh US penalties.
According to Kirby, Russia and Iran were exploring establishing a drone production facility in Russia for the Ukraine crisis, and Russia was also preparing Iranian pilots to fly the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter, which Iran might get within the year.
“These fighter planes will significantly strengthen Iran’s air force relative to its regional neighbours,” Kirby said.
Western powers have accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia for its war against Ukraine, as Moscow batters the country’s energy infrastructure in search of an advantage in the bloody conflict.
Kirby said the US would sanction three Russian-based entities active in “the acquisition and use of Iranian drones”.
The sanctions apply to the Russian Aerospace Forces, the 924th State Centre for Unmanned Aviation and the Command of the Military Transport Aviation.
“The United States will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt these transfers and impose consequences on those engaged in this activity,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on the sanctions.
Last month, Tehran admitted it had sent drones to Russia but insisted they were supplied before Moscow’s Ukraine invasion.
