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US defense officials on Tuesday sought to allay any doubt that Iran is supplying drones for Russia’s war in Ukraine, publishing photos and analysis of drones deployed in the conflict to prove Tehran’s involvement.
During a briefing in London, analysts from the Defense Intelligence Agency showed photos of drones that attacked Ukraine along with images of those that had previously been traced to Iran. A comparison of design details such as the tail fins, nose cones and landing gear shows that the weapons used in Ukraine are “indistinguishable” from the Shahed-131 and -136 attack drones and air vehicles. Mohajer 6 drones used in the Middle East.
The “show homework” effort is intended to help persuade governments or international agencies of Tehran’s involvement. Iran has said it supplied a “small number” of drones to Russia before the invasion of Ukraine, but has denied providing any more since the troops crossed. the border last February.
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The evidence shows otherwise, a Defense Intelligence Agency official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.
“Iran is a partner in the conflict with Russia,” the official said.
US officials also suggested that Iran was gathering valuable information when deploying its technology in Ukraine, including how the drones perform in different weather conditions, seeing how they can be used in different scenarios, and getting real-life feedback that allows them to make weapons are more effective. .
US officials are drawing attention to Russia’s use of Iranian equipment in its war against Ukraine. (Ukrainian Army Strategic Communications Directorate via AP, File)
For example, after learning that civilians were able to flee because they could hear approaching drones, weapons designers are likely to make future models quieter, the official said.
“They are getting to see it used on a massive level,” the official said. “It is a process for them. Iran can see this feedback and make adjustments.”
The war in Ukraine also allows Iran to demonstrate the capabilities of its technology to other potential buyers.
“Iran sees this as a great marketing opportunity,” the official added.
The analysis was published a day after Britain presented evidence that Iran is supplying advanced weapons to Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Britain has presented drones and missiles seized from ships in the Gulf of Oman to the United Nations as evidence Iran is violating Security Council resolutions banning arms shipments to the Houthis.
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The timing of the launch suggests that Western powers are toughening up their stance on Iran, said Tobias Borck, a Middle East security studies researcher at the Royal United Services Institute.
For the past 20 years, Iran’s policy has focused on limiting Iran’s nuclear program. But efforts to revive nuclear deal talks are stalled and officials in Washington, London and Brussels have begun to change their messages.
The idea that a deal could be a confidence-building measure that would pave the way to solving other problems in the region is fading.
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“We are heading in a direction where the West, in general, the United States and Europe, will identify Iran as a bad actor,” Borck said. “And the focus should be on deter and contain. And that’s where the policy is headed.”
