Iran threatens to strike Ukraine after Zelensky sends drone defense experts to Middle East
Iran has issued a warning to Ukraine, signaling the potential for strikes after Kyiv deployed military specialists to the Middle East to assist Gulf nations in defending against Iranian drone attacks.
Ibrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s national security committee, stated on X Saturday that Ukraine’s involvement in supporting Israel with drone defense makes the country a “legitimate target” for Iran. He framed Kyiv’s actions as effectively pulling the nation into the wider conflict. Analysts warn that such statements could escalate tensions, with Europe potentially drawn into the confrontation.
Iranian-made “Shahed” drones have been a key weapon in Russia’s assault on Ukraine since the start of the invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Kyiv’s recent deployment of experts to the Gulf is grounded in Ukraine’s experience fighting these drones. “Ukraine has firsthand knowledge of this threat,” he said, referencing the ongoing Iran-related conflict in the region.
Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine has never threatened Iran, but noted that Tehran chose to support Russia with drone supplies. He described Ukraine’s expertise in drone defense as “irreplaceable” and announced the dispatch of a delegation led by Rustem Umerov, along with military, intelligence, and defense specialists, to assist Gulf nations.
According to Zelensky, over ten countries have requested Ukraine’s support. However, he clarified that Kyiv is sending only experts and equipment, not combat troops. Teams have already deployed to Jordan to protect U.S. military installations and are expected to provide guidance to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Ukraine’s experience with Iranian drones dates back to fall 2022, when Russia began purchasing them from Tehran. Since then, the use of attack drones by Moscow in Ukraine has increased significantly, making Kyiv’s counter-drone expertise highly sought after in the Middle East.
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