FM: Iran ready for talks with Ukraine over drone claims

Tehran, IRNA – Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian on Monday announced his country's readiness to hold talks with Ukraine over claims that the Islamic Republic has sold drones to Russia to use in the Ukraine war. Kiev and its Western allies have in recent weeks accused Tehran of exporting suicide drones to Moscow for the use in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Amirabdollahian once again categorically dismissed those accusations, saying that Iran has not given and will not give Russia any weaponry and drones to use in Ukraine. The top Iranian diplomat made the comments in Tehran as he addressed managers of news agencies of the member states of OANA (Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies). He said that Iran and Russia have cooperation in different fields including in defense. “In the past we have taken weapons from Russia and given it weapons as well, but not during the Ukraine war.” Amirabdollahian referred to his recent phone conversation with EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell over the issue. “I told Josep Borrell that I am ready that a team of military experts from Iran and Ukraine assess claims on the use of Iranian-made drones in the Ukraine war.” Elsewhere in his remarks, the foreign minister spoke about the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and talks aimed at reviving the accord which got into trouble in 2018 when the US unilaterally withdrew and imposed sanctions on Iran. Amirabdollahian said that the US, which has participated indirectly in the talks, sent “diplomatic messages” in the past few days to keep open the opportunity for an agreement, but simultaneously sought to create riots and terror in Iran. He noted that Iran is ready for a good and lasting agreement, with efforts ongoing in this regard, adding that his country wants the US to stop its hypocritical behavior. Follow us on Twitter @IrnaEnglish