US Urges Iran to Halt Drone Sales to Russia amid Rising Tensions

The US is urging Iran to cease its sale of armed drones and related parts to Russia, particularly as these are being deployed in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This request is part of broader, unwritten discussions between Washington and Tehran aimed at reducing existing tensions.

These drones have been a point of contention, especially as the US and Iran navigate their relationship to mitigate confrontations and restart discussions about Iran's nuclear activities.

Addressing the situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced concerns on Tuesday, highlighting the need to counteract Iran's “growing nuclear threat.”

Simultaneously, both nations have engaged in negotiations concerning the potential release of detained individuals. Iran recently transitioned four detained US citizens to house arrest from Tehran's Evin prison, with a fifth already in home confinement.

This move follows last week's insights from Reuters, revealing that Iran might release these five US citizens in a deal that could potentially unlock $6 billion of Iran's funds, presently frozen in South Korea.

At the time of reporting by Reuters, neither the White House nor Iran's foreign ministry has offered any comments regarding these latest developments.