The Biden administration has launched a massive initiative to block Iran's capacity to manufacture and transfer drones to Russia to support its war efforts against Ukraine, a move that bears similarities to its long-running campaign to deny Tehran access to nuclear technology, according to a report by the New York Times.
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, CA - JULY 11: Two X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV) are shown to members of the news media July 11, 2002 at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The X-45A, developed by The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Boeing Company, is the first unmanned system designed from inception for combat missions.
Hindering Iran's Ability
Several officials have spoken about a broadening US program in interviews conducted in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. This program aims to hinder Iran's ability to produce drones and impede Russian efforts to launch unpiloted kamikaze aircraft.
The Biden administration stepped up its efforts to deny Iran access to the Western-made parts required to build the drones being supplied to Russia.
This comes after discovering that the drones' rubble was filled with American-made equipment, according to NYT.
US soldiers are assisting Ukraine's military in targeting the locations where the drones are being set up for takeoff, which has been challenging given that the Russians are shifting the launch locations from parking lots to soccer fields.
Additionally, the US is rapidly introducing new technology meant to increase Ukraine's chances of taking down drone swarms from gunfire to missiles by providing early notice of approaching drone swarms.
Dual-Use Technologies
American intelligence authorities claim that the Iranians are using their knowledge of how to expand the production of nuclear centrifuges around the nation and how to locate dual-use technologies on the black market to circumvent export prohibitions on their drone production.
The United Nations has had lists of suppliers to Iran's nuclear and missile programs for years, and one of the Iranian firms mentioned as the main producer of one of the two types of drones being purchased is Qods Aviation.
Despite several sanctions, the firm, which is owned by the Iranian military, has increased its selection of drones, as per NYT's report.
According to officials from the Western alliance, Iran and Russia are forging a new arrangement of convenience since they are both being isolated by sanctions.
Biden's advisers are also working with its long-time ally Israel, which has been known to harm Iran's nuclear program in their efforts to prevent drone attacks.
On Thursday, Dec. 29, US officials alleged that North Korea, under sanctions, has provided the private Russian military company Wagner with weapons to bolster its forces against Ukraine.
US intelligence experts discovered that North Korea completed a first arms shipment last month that included rockets and missiles, according to John Kirby, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council. However, North Korea denied these claims.
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