Iran Denies Drone Delivery to Russia for Ukraine War
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The foreign minister of Iran vehemently rejected reports about the delivery of drones to Russia for use in the Ukraine war, reiterating Tehran’s respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and support for the efforts to end the war.
In a telephone conversation on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and the European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josef Borrell talked about the initiative of the EU’s top diplomat, the latest developments regarding Ukraine crisis, and the sanctions removal talks.
On the claims of employment of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war, Amirabdollahian said Iran has defense cooperation with Russia, but Tehran's policy regarding the Ukraine war is to respect the country's territorial integrity.
He underlined that Iran does not send arms to the warring sides in Ukraine and wants an end to the war and an end to the displacement of people, the Foreign Ministry’s website reported.
Iran is making an effort to stop the hostilities in Ukraine through diplomacy and advises the Europeans to view the issue with a realistic approach, Amirabdollahian added.
He reiterated that Iran is opposed to war and vehemently rejected the claims that Tehran has given Russia drones for use in the conflict in Ukraine.
Highlighting Iran’s strong popular support base and an efficient democracy, the foreign minister deplored certain European officials for supporting riots, terrorism and vandalism in Iran due to the wrong analysis of the situation and under the pretext of defending human rights.
He described this as an uncalculated, unconstructive and meddlesome move on the part of the Europeans that was politically motivated.
Iran's foreign policy is based on logic, rationality and diplomacy, not on double standards, he underscored.
For his part, the EU foreign policy chief expressed hope that cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency over safeguards issues would continue.
Borrell said Iran's policy of refusing to send arms and drones for use in the Ukraine war is important and worthy of appreciation.
Amirabdollahian and Borrell then described the negotiations aimed at removing the anti-Iran sanctions and reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) as positive and progressing.