Moscow, 26 Aug, 2023 (GNP): Amidst mounting geopolitical pressures, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has asserted that Russia’s military partnership with Iran will remain resilient and unaffected. Ryabkov’s comments came in response to recent reports indicating that the United States had urged Tehran to cease the sale of armed drones to Moscow.
In a statement from the Russian state news agency on Saturday, Ryabkov emphasized that the ongoing collaboration between Russia and Iran would remain unchanged. He underscored the independence of both nations and their commitment to making decisions free from external dictates, including those from the United States and its allies.
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A local American newspaper reported this month that the U.S. had been exerting pressure on Iran to halt supplying armed drones to Russia, which Moscow has reportedly employed in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. The report cited statements from an Iranian official and another source familiar with the discussions.
Russia started using the Iranian-made Shahed drones for strategic operations deep within Ukraine last year. These unconventional kamikaze drones possess the unique capability of launching without a runway and detonating upon impact.
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Iran acknowledged having supplied drones to Russia, but it had previously claimed that “they were sent before” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, the White House revealed in June that Iran had transferred a substantial number of drones to Russia since August 2022.
As diplomatic dialogues and developments continue to shape international relationships, the assertions by Russian and Iranian officials highlight the complexity and significance of military collaborations amidst geopolitical dynamics.