Russia-Ukraine war: Iran rejects calls for UN probe into drone allegations

The war Russia continues to wage on Ukraine is in its eighth month, with Iran also coming under scrutiny related to the war. Tehran blasted calls for the United Nations to probe the accusations that Russia used Iran-made drones in its war.

The Iranian foreign ministry condemned the calls by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom for a UN probe into the allegations that Iran was supplying drones to Russia. Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said the accusations were “false and baseless,” which Tehran has “strongly rejected and condemned.” Ukraine said Russia was using Iran-made Shahed-136 attack drones in its recent assaults.

“The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in its pursuit to protect its national interest and to secure the rights of the noble Iranian people, reserves the right to respond to any irresponsible action,” said Kanaani. “It will not hesitate to defend the interests of the Iranian people.”

In his remarks Saturday, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said the country was now a popular potential weapons exporter. Tehran has so far denied the allegations of supplying drones to Russia.

Raisi recalled his overseas engagements, including his attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he was often approached, asking him if Tehran could supply them with weapons.

Raisi recalled asking why and then shared that it was because they thought Iranian weapons were better. While Raisi did not specify which types of weapons but noted that this has drawn the ire of Iran’s adversaries.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that the Russian Orthodox Church was allowing itself to be manipulated by the Kremlin to justify the war it is waging on Ukraine. Macron also urged the church to resist the pressure from the Kremlin.

“Religious leaders also have a role of resistance when faced with the folly of these events,” said Macron in remarks at an international conference organized by the international peace and charity group Sant’ Egidio Community in Italy.

“We know well how the Orthodox religion today is being manipulated by those in power in Russia to justify their actions,” said Macron. “Resistance is needed here.”