(PresidentialHill.com)- Washington accused Russia of seeking to buy “hundreds” of drones from Iran, including ones that can carry weaponry for Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
While the president is in the Middle East to explore improved collaboration between Israel and other Arab nations, including constructing a combined Arab/Israeli regional air defense network to alert states of Iranian strikes, Russia and Ukraine directly affect the area.
Jake Sullivan, the administration’s national security advisor, told reporters on July 11 that Iran is prepared to give Russia hundreds of UAVs, including weapons-capable UAVs.
He said it wasn’t clear if Tehran had already provided drones to the Russian military, but the U.S. had evidence indicating Iran was prepared to train Russian troops on its drones this month.
Sullivan said this shows that Moscow utilized virtually all of its weaponry to attack and seize Ukraine. Russians attack Ukrainian towns and civilian infrastructure indiscriminately to demoralize the country.
This is just one example of how Russia looks to Iran for capabilities that were utilized to strike Saudi Arabia before the Yemen truce,” Sullivan said.
The Iranians deny this, and while the allegation appears unlikely, it’s not difficult to dismiss.
Hossein-Amir Abdollahian, Tehran’s foreign minister, said they are against Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. Iran refused to denounce the invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
Abdollahian was asked about the alleged Russian-Iranian deal in Rome. Abdollahian said they collaborate with Russia in the defense industry, but they won’t aid any side because we think the war should end.
Israeli intelligence sources believe Iran might limit its Middle East operations if it sent Russia hundreds of drones from current military supplies.
If the allegation is genuine, why would the Iranians choose Russia when their Middle Eastern friend Syria has a convenient alliance?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, economic sanctions are only beginning to bite, while Iran’s economy is in disarray. In Syria, Russia has an uneasy ceasefire. Since Syria’s civil conflict began, the Israeli Air Force has launched hundreds of airstrikes.
Russian air defense missiles (S-400) haven’t been used against Israeli assaults on Syria. Israelis don’t attack Russian bases in exchange. Perhaps they want greater economic or military aid from Moscow in Syria, where Iran has tried to put soldiers on Israel’s border.
Next week, Putin will visit Tehran. This meeting’s outcome will be fascinating.
Israelis and Saudis have warmer connections with Russia than the U.S.
President Biden may need to convince them that Russia can’t be trusted.
