US Intelligence Indicates Iran's Material Support for Drone Manufacturing Plant in Russian Capital

Satellite image of Alleged Drone Facility in Moscow
Image Credit: Google

In an alarming escalation of defense cooperation between Iran and Russia, the United States has accused the Iranian government of assisting in the construction of a drone manufacturing plant near Moscow.

John Kirby, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, issued a statement on Friday citing US intelligence findings that revealed Iran's material support for the plant, which is expected to become operational by early next year.

Alleged Transfer of Iranian Drones for Russian Use in Ukraine:

Furthermore, US officials reaffirmed their claims that Iran has supplied hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to Russia for deployment in Ukraine, where a full-scale invasion was initiated in 2022.

Kirby stated that Russia had been utilizing Iranian UAVs in recent weeks to carry out strikes in Kyiv and to instill fear among the Ukrainian population.

This situation has raised concerns about the deepening military partnership between Russia and Iran.

Suspicions of Joint Production of Iranian UAVs in Russia:

The Biden administration, a key supporter of Ukraine, had previously alleged that Iran and Russia were discussing the possibility of establishing a drone assembly line within Russian territory.

Kirby now reveals that US intelligence officials believe the manufacturing plant is being set up in the Alabuga special economic zone, located several hundred miles east of Moscow.

Strengthening Russia-Iran Partnership and Denials of Drone Usage:

Over the past few years, Russia and Iran have bolstered their partnership, increasing weapons sales and exploring strategies to counter US-led efforts to economically isolate both countries.

However, Russia has denied the utilization of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine, while Iran has acknowledged sending drones to Russia but claims that it occurred prior to the widely condemned Russian invasion in February 2022.

Accusations of Iranian Complicity in the Russian Invasion:

The United States has accused Iran of complicity in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of nearly 14 million people, according to the United Nations.

Kirby stated on Friday that Iran continues to send drones to Russia, shipping them across the Caspian Sea to the Russian port of Makhachkala.

The Biden administration has previously imposed sanctions on Iranian defense firms involved in drone production.

Regional and Global Concerns Over Iran's Proliferation of UAVs:

The US Treasury, in a March statement announcing further sanctions, expressed concern over Iran's well-documented proliferation of UAVs and conventional weapons to its proxies, emphasizing that this poses a threat to both regional security and global stability.

Ukrainian Response and Accusations Against Iran:

Last month, Ukraine imposed a package of sanctions on Iran due to its close partnership with Russia.

Ukraine has also alleged that Iranian-made drones have been used in Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, resulting in civilian casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly addressed Iranians, questioning their willingness to be "accomplices in Russian terror," a statement that Iran dismissed as mere "political show."

Accusations of Drone Attacks by Ukraine on Russian Territory:

Russia, on the other hand, has accused Ukraine of employing drones to launch attacks within its borders.

Earlier this week, Russia reported a drone crashing into a residential building in the city of Voronezh, placing blame on Ukraine for a series of drone attacks in Moscow in late May.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)