Ukraine has accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia, a charge it had initially disputed before eventually admitting.
The U.S. claims Russia and Iran have developed into a full-fledged defence alliance.
U.S. National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby has stated that Russia is providing unprecedented military help.
He said that U.S. intelligence has learned that the two countries are discussing the possibility of working together to manufacture deadly drones.
For supplying Russia with drones to use against Ukraine, Australia has issued sanctions against three Iranians and one Iranian business.
Ukraine has recently accused Russia of utilising Iranian drones in its strikes, drawing attention to the cooperation between Russia and Iran.
The Middle Eastern nation initially denied supplying Russia with drones before the invasion of Ukraine but later confirmed it had done so.
According to Mr Kirby, a joint Iranian-Russian drone production venture would be disastrous for Ukraine, Iran’s neighbours, and the rest of the world.
He said that the U.S. was worried that Russia planned to “supply Iran with modern military components,” such as helicopters and air defence systems because the two countries shared interest in weapons development and training.
He then said, “Iran has become Russia’s top military backer.
“Russia’s been using Iranian drones to strike energy infrastructure, depriving millions of Ukrainians of power, heat, and critical services. People in Ukraine today are dying due to Iran’s actions.”
Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom James Cleverly responded to Mr Kirby by claiming that Iran is now one of Russia’s key military supporters and that this connection threatens international stability.
He said hundreds of Iranian drones had been shipped to Russia as part of “sordid deals” between Tehran and Moscow.
The risk that the Iranian government poses to our Middle Eastern allies and international security is increased due to Russia’s military and technological assistance, he continued.
He added that hundreds of ballistic missiles were among the many weapons Russia was trying to acquire. The United Kingdom agreed with the United States that Iranian support for the Russian military would rise in the coming months.
According to Ukrainian officials, at least eight persons were killed on October 17 due to a series of strikes using “kamikaze” drones allegedly supplied to Russia by Iran.
Iran had previously denied doing so but has since confirmed providing a “limited number” of drones to Russia “many months” before the war in Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has called this claim false, claiming his country shoots down ten Iranian drones daily.
“The supply of drones to Russia is evidence of Iran’s role in destabilising global security. This listing highlights that those who provide material support to Russia will face the consequences,” Penny Wong, Australia’s foreign minister, said in a statement on Saturday.
After the murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in jail earlier this year, she issued measures against 19 other persons and two institutions, including Iran’s Morality Police, for the cruel treatment of anti-government protestors.