Iran reiterates neutral stance in Ukraine conflict, rejects NATO allegations

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Iran’s embassy in Brussels said in a statement on Thursday that Tehran maintains a neutral position in the Ukrainian conflict and remains fully committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, which includes respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries.

It came a day after NATO urged Tehran to end its alleged military support for Russia, including the supply of drones for use in the war against Ukraine.

The embassy said the baseless accusations are motivated by short-sighted gains.

The statement also notes that Iran has suffered losses caused by several NATO members who have actively fostered discord in the country by harboring and supporting violent terrorist elements and organizations, despite its adherence to international legal norms.

Iran has also played a constructive role in helping regional governments counter destabilizing forces that often receive support from outside sources, he said, according to Press TV.

The statement further urged NATO member states to honor their commitments under the UN Charter and stop making baseless accusations against Iran.

In a final statement at a summit in Lithuania on Wednesday, the 31-member alliance called on Iran to end its military support to Russia, particularly its transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that have been used to attack critical infrastructure, causing civilian casualties.

It comes as Iran and Russia have repeatedly denied allegations that Tehran supplied Moscow with drones to use in the war against Ukraine.

The anti-Iranian claims first emerged in July 2022, when US national security adviser Jake Sullivan alleged that Washington had received information indicating that the Islamic Republic was preparing to supply Russia with up to several hundred drones, including weapons-capable UAVs, in an accelerated timeframe for use in warfare.

In November, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian clarified that Tehran had provided Moscow with a limited number of drones, but months before the war in Ukraine. He also assured that Iran would not be indifferent if it was proven that Russia used Iranian drones in the conflict.

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