US says deepening Iran-Russia military partnership ‘harmful’ to Ukraine
- Washington expressed alarm over an extensive relationship between Moscow and Tehran involving equipment such as helicopters, fighter jets and drones
- The US also imposed sanctions on three Russian entities active in ‘the acquisition and use of Iranian drones’
Washington has previously condemned Iran-Russia security cooperation, but on Friday described an extensive relationship involving equipment such as helicopters and fighter jets as well as drones, with the latter items resulting in new US sanctions.
“Russia is seeking to collaborate with Iran in areas like weapons development, training,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
Moscow “is offering Iran an unprecedented level of military and technical support – that is transforming their relationship into a fully fledged defence partnership,” he said.
“We have also seen reports that Moscow and Tehran are considering the establishment of a joint production line for lethal drones in Russia. We urge Iran to reverse course [and] not to take these steps.”
