US Exploring New Sanctions on Russia, Iran for Drone Purchases, Official Says
The U.S. is considering additional sanctions on both Russia and Iran following Iranian sales and operation of drones in Ukraine, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said, speaking during an Oct. 20 call with reporters. He confirmed that Iranian "military personnel" were on the ground in Crimea assisting Russia in the use of purchased combat drones, adding that Russia has "dozens" of the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and is "likely [to] continue to receive additional shipments in the future."
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The U.S. is working with allies inside and outside of the U.N. to determine next steps (see 2210200014 and 2210190025). "We’re going to continue to impose [sanctions already in place] as well as explore new sanctions, " Kirby said.
He added that Russia may also look to buy "advanced conventional weapons" from Iran, including "surface-to-surface missiles that will almost certainly be used to support the war against Ukraine." Russia and Iran are denying that Iran is providing weapons to Russia, he said. "We’re going to continue to vigorously enforce all U.S. sanctions on both the Russian and Iranian arms trade," Kirby said. "We’re going to make it harder for Iran to sell these weapons to Russia."
He also said the U.S. is considering additional sanctions against Iran for violence against its peaceful protestors in the country, following up on sanctions against the Iran Morality Police and Ministry on Information earlier this month (see 2210170015).