Financial Times: The United States Demands Iran Halt Drone Sales to Russia

The United States has pressured Iran to stop selling military drones to Russia, a move that is part of a broader 'unwritten understanding' in discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions and curbing Iran's nuclear program. The Financial Times reported on Wednesday, August 16, citing an Iranian official and another individual involved in the negotiations, that the U.S. has requested Iran to halt the delivery of military drones to Russia, which are being used in the war against Ukraine. These sources indicated that the U.S. has also called for a stop to the supply or sale of spare parts for these drones. Moscow employs these drones in its assault against Ukraine, targeting civilian and infrastructure sites. This news comes as Washington and Iran are attempting to reduce tensions and revive broader talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated yesterday that he would welcome any Iranian actions to reduce tensions in the face of the 'growing nuclear threat.' The Financial Times noted that these discussions occurred during negotiations over a prisoner exchange between Iran and the U.S., which resulted in 'four Iranian-American citizens' being transferred from Evin prison to house arrest last week. The U.S. and several other Western countries, particularly Ukraine, have repeatedly accused Iran of providing military drones to Russia, which Moscow has used in airstrikes against Ukraine. The Iranian government has denied these allegations. Despite presenting multiple pieces of evidence, the Islamic Republic claims there is no proof of drone shipments to Russia. Following Russian drone attacks on the port city of Odessa, three people were injured. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the destruction of 20 Ukrainian drones in Crimea. Britain has sanctioned the Iranian drone manufacturer 'Paravar Pars' and its executives. Russia criticized the 'Western pressure on the Islamic Republic' regarding the nuclear agreement. Exclusive: The U.S. stated that sufficient evidence of military cooperation between Iran and Russia has been provided, and more evidence is available. Japan expressed concern over Iran's uranium enrichment program and the supply of drones to Russia.