Iran has been warned to stop boosting Russia’s military lifeline in Ukraine by NATO.
Over the last year, the Middle Eastern country has transferred hundreds of drones – also known as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) – to Russia to terrorize civilians in Ukraine.
Allies are seriously concerned by the ‘malicious activities’ within their own territory and called Tehran to stop its military support to Russia.
‘We call upon Iran to cease its military support to Russia, in particular its transfer of uncrewed aerial vehicles, which have been used to attack critical infrastructure, causing widespread civilian casualties,’ the 31-member alliance said in a final declaration at a summit in Lithuania.
‘We express our serious concern over Iran’s malicious activities in allied territory.’
Relations between Tehran and Moscow have grown much closer since the start of the invasion.
Russia wants drones and ballistic missiles, while in exchange Iran wants Russia’s investment and trade.
In June, the White House warned the two countries’ military partnership appears to be deepening.
‘We are also concerned that Russia is working with Iran to produce Iranian UAVs from inside Russia,’ spokesperson John Kirby said in a statement.
Citing newly declassified information, he added that Russia is receiving materials from Iran required to build a drone manufacturing plant that could open as early as next year.
‘We are releasing satellite imagery of the planned location of this manufacturing plant in Russia’s Alabuga Special Economic Zone,’ Kirby said.
The UK, the US and the European Union in recent months all have issued rules designed to cut off the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran.
