In the shadow of the Russia-Iran-Turkey summit held this week, the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd AustinAnd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark MillieWarned Iran not to help Moscow, amid growing fears that Iran would hand over to Russia UAVs that would help it in the war in Ukraine.
Contrary to the official reason for the meeting: The “Astana Summit” in Tehran has become a weapons and economics fair
“We offer Iran not to help Russia, we think it is a really bad idea,” Austin said at a news conference, adding: “I do not think it is a good idea for Iran to supply UAVs or other weapons systems to Russia. We’ll see where all this leads. “
As you may recall, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has revealed that a Russian delegation has visited an airport in Iran at least twice in the past month. According to a CNN report, the purpose of the visit was to examine advanced UAVs of the types that are 191 and 129 capable of carrying accurate combat armament.
“We have information that the Iranian government is preparing to supply Russia with several hundred drones, including drones capable of precision combat armament,” Sullivan said in a statement to CNN. Sullivan said that to the best of US knowledge, the visit in June “was the first time a Russian delegation visited this airport for such a display.” A Russian delegation visited the airport again for a similar display on July 5, officials said.
Earlier, Sullivan stated that the United States estimated that Iran intended to arm Russia and provide it with hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles for the war in Ukraine.
Report: The United States is considering moving advanced fighter jets to Ukraine
Meanwhile, Austin has announced that the United States will supply four more rocket launchers to Ukraine as part of a military aid package. Austin said Ukrainian forces used the rocket systems “so effectively” in the fight against Russian forces, and that the weapons “made a difference on the battlefield.”
The United States recently sent rocket launchers to Ukraine as part of a $ 450 million military aid package. To date, the United States has spent about $ 6.1 billion on military aid to Ukraine since the war began. At the same time, the U.S. Air Force commander hinted that Kyiv might receive Advanced fighter jets are also reported, Politico reported.