On Friday, the United States expressed concern about the formation of a "full defense partnership" between Russia and Iran, which it described as causing "harm" to Ukraine, Iran's neighbors and the world. Western powers accuse Iran of providing Russia with drones to use in its war against Ukraine, where it bombs energy infrastructure to gain advantage in the bloody conflict.
Washington has previously condemned military cooperation between Iran and Russia, but on Friday it spoke of a broad relationship that includes equipment such as drones, helicopters and combat aircraft.
"Russia seeks cooperation with Iran in areas such as weapons development and training," White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
He added that Moscow "provides Iran with an unprecedented level of military and technical support," which "transforms their relationship into a full defense partnership."
He continued, “We have also seen reports that Moscow and Tehran are considering establishing a joint production line for deadly drones in Russia. We urge Iran to reverse course and not take these steps.”
Kirby stated that the United States will impose sanctions on “three entities centered in Russia” that are particularly active in “possessing and using Iranian drones.”
The spokesman also said the United States was concerned that Russia "intends to provide Iran with advanced military equipment," including helicopters and air defense systems.
John Kirby referred to reports of training Iranian pilots to fly advanced Sukhoi Su-35 fighters in Russia, and Tehran may obtain this type of aircraft within the next year, which "will greatly enhance the Iranian Air Force compared to its neighbors."
He said the United States also believed Iran was considering selling "hundreds of ballistic missiles" to Russia.
In turn, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly criticized Friday the "dirty deals" between Moscow and Tehran, saying in a statement that Iran had sent drones to Russia in exchange for "military and technical support" from Moscow.
Cleverly added that this "will increase the risks it poses to our partners in the Middle East and international security," pledging that "the United Kingdom will continue to expose this desperate alliance and hold the two countries accountable."
In parallel, John Kirby announced on Friday a new aid package to Ukraine worth $275 million to help it strengthen its air defenses, especially against drones.
"New military aid worth $275 million will be sent soon to give Ukraine new capabilities to strengthen its air defenses and enable it to deal with drone threats," Kirby said.
The Pentagon released details of the package, saying it included anti-drone equipment, ammunition for HIMARS precision missile systems, 80,000 155mm artillery shells, about 150 generators, and other equipment.
The United States said earlier that generators had been provided to Kiev to help it meet its electricity needs in light of repeated Russian strikes on energy infrastructure.
This package, consisting of equipment sourced from US stockpiles, brings the value of military assistance that Washington has provided to Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24 to more than $19.3 billion.
Posts
No comments:
Write comments