Russia Turns To Iran For Additional Advanced Attack Drones In Ukraine War Efforts: White House

The White House said on Monday that Russia is seeking to purchase additional advanced attack drones from Iran to aid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

This follows the use of most of the 400 drones that Russia had previously bought from Tehran. The Biden administration released satellite imagery and intelligence reports last year that indicated Iran's sale of hundreds of attack drones to Russia.

White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters, "Iran also continues to provide Russia with one-way attack UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles). Since August, Iran has provided Russia with more than 400 UAVs primarily of the Shahed variety."

As reported by the Associated Press, Kirby further stated, "Russia has expended most of these UAVs, using them to target Ukrainian critical infrastructure inside Ukraine. By providing Russia with these UAVs, Iran has been directly enabling Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine."

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The United States has been consistently sharing intelligence findings to showcase the deepening defense partnership between Russia and Iran. The White House believes that Russia's reliance on Iran and North Korea, both countries largely isolated internationally due to their nuclear programs and human rights records, demonstrates their desperation.

Iran has admitted to providing drones to Russia prior to the war, but denies supplying any since then, the AP reported. North Korea has also denied providing Russia with artillery. However, the White House has been expressing concerns that the military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran could be a two-way street.

The AP reports that Iran is attempting to purchase more military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars, and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft. Iran also recently announced the finalization of a deal to purchase Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.

Additionally, the White House has indicated that Russia and Iran have been considering establishing a drone assembly line in Russia for the conflict in Ukraine. "In total, Iran is seeking billions of dollars' worth of military equipment from Russia," Kirby said.

This new information comes as President Joe Biden is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan, for the Group of Seven summit later this week. Biden is expected to call on fellow leaders of some of the world's largest economies to further tighten export controls and sanctions on Moscow.

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