US government satellite image allegedly showing Russians examining drones at a central Iranian airfield. The image was obtained exclusively by CNN.
A Russian delegation visited an airfield in central Iran at least twice over the past month to examine military drones, the CNN reported on July 16.
Satellite image obtained by CNN show what US officials claims to be Russian examining the Shahed-191 and Shahed-129 combat drones at Kashan airfield south of Tehran.
Repeating the exact same claims he made earlier this week, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN that Iran is preparing to provide Russia with several hundred drones, some of which are weaponized.
“We assess an official Russian delegation recently received a showcase of Iranian attack-capable UAVs [unmanned aerial vehicles],” Sullivan added. “We are releasing these images captured in June showing Iranian UAVs that the Russian government delegation saw that day. This suggests ongoing Russian interest in acquiring Iranian attack-capable UAVs.”
According to Sullivan, the June visit “was the first time a Russian delegation has visited this airfield for such a showcase.” The official added that a Russian delegation made a second visit to the airfield for a similar showcase again on July 5.
Sullivan’s claims have been already denied by both Iran and Russia. Yet, Washington appears to be determined to keep pushing these claims.
Iran, who made rapid advancements in drone technologies in the last few years, is today one of the world leaders in this field. The Russian military operates thousands of drones of different types, most of which were developed and produced in Russia. Still, it can for sure benefit from Iran’s well-established drone industry.
With the lack of any real evidence, the US claims appears to be meant to mount more pressure on Iran. Washington have been working to limit Tehran’s drone capabilities for a while now. Its most recent plan to do so is an Israeli-Arab air defense alliance.
By accusing Iran of supporting the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, the US is likely trying to push its European allies towards imposing more sanctions on the Islamic country.
- Russian Defence Minister Ordered To Mount Offensive In Ukraine
- In Video: Evacuation Of Civilians From Nikolsky Monastery Under Fire Of Ukrainian Artillery
