Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has accused Russia of supplying Iran with Shahed drones, which Tehran has reportedly used to target U.S. and Israeli military sites.
The claim underscores growing concerns over drone proliferation in the Middle East.
Speaking to CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Zelenskiy said it is “100% facts” that Iran has deployed Russian-made Shahed drones in attacks on U.S. bases.
Shahed drones, initially developed by Iran, are a cost-effective alternative to traditional missiles. They have been widely adopted across the region for military operations, with their precise manufacturers sometimes difficult to trace.
Russia’s role in drone supply
While Iran pioneered the Shahed design, Zelenskiy asserts that Russia now provides these drones to Tehran. During Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, thousands of Shahed drones were launched by Russian forces, highlighting the weapon’s increasing role in modern conflicts.
Other countries, including the U.S. military, have also studied or used Shahed-type drones as part of countermeasures against Iran’s drone capabilities.
The transfer of drones from Russia to Iran raises serious concerns about escalation in the Middle East. Shahed drones have been linked to a variety of attacks on military and strategic targets, increasing risks for both regional and global security.
Experts warn that the proliferation of such drones could further complicate ongoing conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, and make conventional defense systems less effective.
