Iran’s supplying of bomb-carrying drones to Russia could see Moscow help Tehran’s program become more lethal, raising risks across the wider Middle East.
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, the head of U.S. Air Force Central, speaks at a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023. Iran's supplying of bomb-carrying drones to Russia could see Moscow help Tehran's program become more lethal, raising risks across the wider Middle East, the top U.S. Air Force commander in the Middle East said Wednesday.
“I am concerned about the growing relationship between Russia and Iran and the drones being supplied to Russia,” Grynkewich told journalists during a news conference at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi. “Who would have ever thought that the Russian Federation would need to go to Iran for military capabilities, and yet we're there. That means that Russia actually owes Iran something. I'm concerned about the level of collaboration that might happen.
Grynkewich said he was worried that Russian upgrades to Iran's drone technology could “backwash” to Tehran, making those bomb-carrying devices even more dangerous. And by Russia owing Iran for the munitions, it could return the favor by dialing up the pressure on American pilots who still fly over Syria and Iraq as part of a mission to target the remnants of the Islamic State group.
The U.S. and Russia still operate what America calls a “deconfliction line” to make sure their aircraft don't run into each other or come too close. Grynkewich described 90% of the calls as routine, though 10% can involve issues where the countries vigorously dispute each others' actions over Syria, which still remains mired in its yearslong war.
“We have seen, as you might expect, some tension between those forces and the Russian forces that are there," Grynkewich said."For the most part, it appears that they have come to some sort of an agreement ... they’ll continue to operate together to meet the objectives of the Russian Federation there in Syria.”
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Top US Air Force official in Mideast worried over possible Russia-Iran 'cooperation and collusion'Iran’s supplying of bomb-carrying drones to Russia could see Moscow help Tehran’s program become more lethal, raising risks across the wider Middle East
Read more »
Top US Air Force official in Mideast worried over possible Russia-Iran 'cooperation and collusion'Iran’s supplying of bomb-carrying drones to Russia could see Moscow help Tehran’s program become more lethal, raising risks across the wider Middle East.
Read more »
Air Force One Cast & Character Guide: Where The Actors Are NowWhere is the Air Force One cast now?
Read more »
Air Force Releases Never-Before-Seen Side Photo of Secret B-21 RaiderThe Air Force recently released two new photos of its new stealth bomber, known as the B-21 Raider, including a never-before-seen side angle.
Read more »