(TEHRAN) Iran said on Sunday it does not need anyone’s “permission” to develop ties with Russia, after the United States raised concerns about a “large-scale military partnership” between Tehran and Moscow.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with its national interests […] It acts independently to regulate its foreign relations and does not seek permission from anyone,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Khanani said in a statement.
Kiev and its Western backers accuse Russia of using Iranian-made drones to carry out attacks in Ukraine. Iran has admitted supplying drones to Russia, but has not evaded Western sanctions, insisting the deliveries took place before the attack in Ukraine.
Dec. On the 9th, the White House warned of an ever-deepening “large-scale military partnership” between Tehran and Moscow.
John Kirby, a spokesman for the US administration’s National Security Council, said that in exchange for the drone deliveries, Russia is providing Iran with unprecedented levels of military and technical support, turning their relationship into a full security partnership. According to Washington, Ukraine is a “harmful” development for Iran’s neighbors and the “international community”.
“Cooperation between Iran and Russia in various fields, including security cooperation, is growing within the framework of common interests. […] And it’s not against any third country,” Nasser Khanani responded, dismissing the comments as “part of the US propaganda war against Iran.”
“US officials continue their baseless political claims and illegal actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling into question the usual defense and military cooperation between Iran and Russia,” he noted.
