NATO claims of missile aid to Russia 'unfounded', 'provocative': Iran
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Kanaani emphasizes that Iran has never given Russia drones during the war in Ukraine and that Iran believes a political resolution of the issue is necessary to bring about permanent peace.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani, on April 24, 2024 (X/Foreign Ministry Islamic Republic of Iran)
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani condemned NATO's allegation during a summit in the US about Iranian military assistance to Russia as completely "unfounded" and "politically-motivated".
“Unfortunately, what we are witnessing in Ukraine is the outcome of NATO’s provocative policies and moves with the centrality of the United States, and it is still ongoing,” he said.
The Iranian envoy made note of the fact that Iran has always sought to stabilize and contribute to the process of establishing long-term security in both the region and the world.
He emphasized that Iran has never given Russia drones during the war in Ukraine and that it believes a political resolution of the issue is necessary to bring about permanent peace.
"As we have announced time and again, any attempt to link the war in Ukraine to the bilateral cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Russia is an act with only biased political motivations, aimed at legitimizing the interference and continuing the Western arms supply to Ukraine," he stressed.
During their summit this week in Washington D.C., NATO leaders claimed that the DPRK and Iran were aiding Russia’s operations in Ukraine by providing direct military support to Moscow, such as munitions and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs).
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They added that any transfer of ballistic missiles or related technology by Iran to Russia would be considered a substantial escalation.
Moreover, the bloc reiterated its support for Ukraine's “right to choose its own security arrangements,” proclaiming that it is on an “irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership.”
However, some officials admitted that this move—using the phrase "irreversible" in the upcoming joint statement—is more symbolic than substantive.
