White House previews new moves against Iran's drone transfers to Russia
Iran has sent more than 400 armed drones to Russia since August and is seeking billions of dollars worth of military equipment in return, a White House official said Monday.
WASHINGTON — The United States is preparing additional sanctions to inhibit Iran's transfer of drones and other advanced weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, a senior White House official said Monday.
"Interactions between Iran and Russia in matters regarding the selling of advanced weapons — especially more advanced UAVs — are now continuing," White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
"If Iran proceeds with selling these additional and more advanced UAVs … there is every reason to believe that Russia will use them to continue its attacks against Ukrainian targets," Kirby said.
The depletion of the Russian military's guided missiles in Ukraine and its inability to source arms from abroad due to Western sanctions has led the Kremlin into what White House officials have labeled an "unprecedented defense partnership" with Iran over the past several months.
