Russia has asked Iran to provide it with hundreds of combat drones for use in the war against Ukraine.
This was reported by the AP.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said it is not yet clear whether Iran has already provided any of the UAVs to Russia, but said the United States has information indicating that Iran is preparing to train Russian forces to use them as early as this month.
"Our information indicates that the Iranian government is preparing to provide Russia with up to several hundred drones, including UAVs capable of carrying weapons, on an expedited basis," he told reporters.
Sullivan noted that Iran had provided similar drones to Yemeni Hussein rebels to attack Saudi Arabia before a cease-fire was reached earlier this year.
Recall that U.S. President Joe Biden is embarking on a Middle East tour from July 13 to 16. During his trip, he will visit Israel, Saudi Arabia and the West Bank, which is controlled by the Palestinians.
Earlier, Iranian authorities threatened a split in the region if a joint Arab-Israeli air defense system was created following Biden's visit.
