Iran: "We Have Never Exported Drones to Russia... Preparing to Form a Joint Investigation Team with Ukraine"

"Iran's Use of Drones in War Proven, Will Not Remain Idle"
Zelensky: "Iran Will Obtain Nuclear Technology in Exchange for Drone Sales"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Iranian government has repeatedly emphasized that it has never exported drones to Russia and stated that it is prepared to form a joint investigation team with Ukraine to prove this. Amid Western intelligence agencies' speculation that Iran might export ballistic missiles following drones, the Ukrainian side warned that Iran could receive nuclear technology in exchange for supplying weapons to Russia.

According to the Associated Press on the 24th (local time), Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's Foreign Minister, met with reporters at the Asia-Pacific News Agencies Organization (OANA) delegation general meeting held in Tehran and said, "Iran and Russia cooperate not only in defense but also in various other fields, but there is nothing related to Ukraine," adding, "We have never sold any weapons or drones that could be used in the Ukraine war."

He continued, "Iran is willing to discuss this matter and is ready to form a joint investigation team with Ukraine composed of experts," emphasizing, "If there is evidence that Iranian-made drones are being directly used in the war, we will not stand idly by."

Recently, as Russia faces severe weapon shortages, suspicions have arisen that it is importing Iranian drones and using them in the war by intensifying attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure with drones instead of traditional ballistic missile strikes. Ukraine, the United States, and Europe believe that the drones used by Russia are Iranian-made Shahed-136 models, but Russia claims these drones are domestically produced. Iran has also consistently denied providing drones to Russia.

The Ukrainian side has claimed that Iran is supporting drones in exchange for receiving nuclear technology from Russia and has urged Israel, which refused to support air defense weapon systems, to provide assistance.

In an interview with the Israeli daily Haaretz on the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "Iran will demand support for its nuclear program rather than money in exchange for drone support to Russia, and this will be the true meaning of their bilateral alliance," adding, "If Israel provides effective air defense weapon systems, it could break this bilateral deal."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.