The "Financial Times" reported today, citing informed sources, that the United States is pressuring Iran to cease the sale of armed drones to Russia as part of discussions on a broader “unwritten understanding” between Washington and Tehran to reduce tensions. The report indicated, based on an Iranian official and another source familiar with the talks, that the U.S. is urging Tehran to halt the sale of armed drones to Russia, which are being used by Moscow in the war in Ukraine, as well as spare parts for those drones. The White House and the Iranian Foreign Ministry have not yet responded to a request from Reuters for comment.
This news comes at a time when Washington and Tehran are attempting to de-escalate tensions and revive broader talks regarding Iran's nuclear program. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Tuesday that he would welcome any Iranian steps to de-escalate its "growing nuclear threat."
The newspaper noted that these discussions occurred alongside negotiations regarding a prisoner exchange agreement last week. Iran allowed four Americans held in its custody to move from Evin prison to house arrest, with a fifth American also under house arrest. Sources told Reuters last week that Iran may release five detained Americans as part of an agreement to unfreeze six billion dollars of Iranian funds in South Korea.
