MOSCOW: Russia’s military cooperation with Iran will not succumb to geopolitical pressure, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.
The statement follows reports that Washington has asked Teheran to stop selling drones to Moscow. In a recent statement reported by the Russian state news agency RIA on Saturday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov emphasized the continuation of unwavering cooperation between Russia and Iran. “There are no changes, and cooperation with Iran will continue,” Ryabkov asserted. This affirmation underscores the two nations’ commitment to their partnership despite external pressures and the challenges posed by global dynamics.
Ryabkov’s statement reflects the shared sentiment that both Russia and Iran maintain their sovereignty and independence as nations. This resilience enables them to navigate their foreign policy choices based on their own interests rather than yielding to external dictates. Such a stance becomes particularly significant given the complex interactions with major players like the United States and its allies.
One of the contentious points of interaction between the United States and Iran pertains to the sale of armed drones. According to a report by the Financial Times earlier this month, the U.S. has been urging Iran to cease its sale of armed drones. These drones have reportedly been employed by Russia in the context of the conflict in Ukraine. Citing sources familiar with the discussions, the report outlines the intricacies of this matter.
The armed drones, known as Shahed drones, produced in Iran, have found use in Russia’s operations within Ukraine. These unmanned aerial vehicles, often referred to as kamikaze drones possess the capability to operate without the need for traditional runways. Instead, they are designed to launch and self-destruct upon impact, making them a unique and versatile tool for modern warfare.
While Iran has acknowledged providing drones to Russia, it has clarified that these transfers occurred prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Moscow, for its part, has consistently denied employing Iranian-made drones in its military activities within Ukraine. This divergence in viewpoints underscores the complexity of international narratives and the importance of establishing a comprehensive understanding of events.
Adding to the dialogue, a White House official stated in June that Iran had facilitated the transfer of several hundred drones to Russia since August 2022. This revelation adds a layer of depth to the ongoing discussions and highlights the evolving nature of the situation.
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