US accuses Iran of aiding Russia in Ukraine conflict

Washington: White House has released intelligence findings claiming that Iran is aiding Russia in establishing a drone manufacturing plant near Moscow to support its ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.

According to US officials, Iran is reportedly providing materials for the construction of the facility in Russia's Alabuga special economic zone, with expectations that it could become operational in early 2024.

Satellite imagery, released by the White House, shows the industrial site in the Yelabuga region of Tatarstan, suggesting it is the potential location for the drone plant.

Biden administration previously stated in December its belief that Iran and Russia were exploring the establishment of a drone assembly line in Russia specifically for the conflict in Ukraine.

US intelligence also claims that Iran continues to supply the Russian military with one-way attack drones manufactured in Iran.

These drones are transported via the Caspian Sea, from Amirabad in Iran to Makhachkala in Russia, and then deployed by Russian forces against Ukraine.

The White House states that Russia has received hundreds of these one-way attack drones and related equipment from Iran as of May.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby described the Iran-Russia partnership as a "full-scale defense partnership" that poses harm to Ukraine, Iran's neighboring countries, and the international community.

In response, the Biden administration has issued an advisory to assist businesses in ensuring compliance with US export controls and sanctions, aiming to prevent inadvertent contributions to Iran's drone program.