In the ongoing war between the United States and Israel, the United Kingdom (UK) has stated that Russia might be encouraging Iran’s use of drone attacks.
The statement was made on Thursday by UK Defence Secretary John Healey, who suggested that some of the strategies used by Iran in the conflict might be the result of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “hidden hand.”
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched synchronized strikes on Iran, sparking the start of the conflict.
Healey revealed to reporters while visiting Britain’s military headquarters in Northwood, close to London, that authorities were examining an Iranian-made drone that attacked the UK’s RAF Akrotiri air force facility in Cyprus on March 1.
He said that investigators were looking for potential foreign parts in the drone.
According to him, the analysis would ascertain if foreign or Russian technology were at play.
Healey stated, “We will keep you informed and appropriately publish any findings from that when we have them.”
The defense secretary went on to say that it wouldn’t be shocking if Russia had influenced Iran’s military strategy.
“But I don’t think anyone will be shocked to think that Putin’s covert hand is behind some of the Iranian strategies, possibly some of their capabilities as well, not least because Putin is one world leader who is currently benefiting from the sky-high oil prices,” he stated.
In recent years, Russia and Iran have maintained tight strategic ties, and last year they decided to work together to combat what they called “common threats.”
Donald Trump, the US president, asserted that there was no proof Russia was actively aiding Iran in the war.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump claimed that Iran was not greatly benefiting from such funding, even if it did exist.
Healey was informed by Nick Perry, the chief of joint operations for the British military, that there were unmistakable indications that Moscow and Tehran were involved in the current fight.
He claimed that Iran’s use of drones seemed to be based on strategies picked up from Russia.
He claimed that there were “definitely” signs of ties between the two nations, especially when it came to drone operations.
The drone impacted a hangar at RAF Akrotiri, but no casualties were reported, according to military sources.
On the same day, two more drones that were approaching the base were intercepted and shot down by British fighters.
In a similar development, Healey was notified by British Army brigadier Guy Foden that two Iranian drones were shot down on Wednesday by UK forces stationed at an international coalition military installation in Erbil, Iraq.
