Ryabkov highlighted the independence of both nations and their refusal to adhere to American directives, particularly regarding drone sales.
Despite external pressures, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has reaffirmed the unwavering nature of the military collaboration between Russia and Iran. This affirmation comes in the wake of a report indicating that the United States had exerted pressure on Iran to cease its drone sales to Russia.
According to an article published by The Algemeiner, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has affirmed that the military collaboration between Russia and Iran remains steadfast despite external pressures. This declaration follows a report suggesting that the United States had urged Iran to halt its drone sales to Russia.
Ryabkov emphasized the autonomy of both nations and their resistance to complying with American directives. The United States had reportedly encouraged Iran to cease drone sales of armed drones, which are being employed by Russia in the conflict in Ukraine.
Moscow, however, has denied employing Iranian drones during the Ukrainian conflict and highlighted that the drones in question were supplied prior to Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
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Iran’s defense ministry spokesperson, Reza Talaei-Nik, supported Ryabkov’s statement, affirming that there have been no cancellations of drone sales transactions with countries like Russia.
According to an article published by Reuters, furthermore, Talaei-Nik noted that other “Western and European countries” have exhibited interest in procuring Iranian drone sales. Notably, Russia had begun utilizing Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, known as kamikaze drones, for incursions involving drone sales deep into Ukraine.
These drone sales possess the unique capability to launch without a runway and detonate upon impact.
In June, a White House official disclosed that Iran had transferred several hundred drone sales to Russia since August 2022. Despite external pressure, both Russia and Iran remain resolute in their military collaboration, with Iran’s drone sales continuing to find interest beyond Russian borders.