In light of recent attacks by Iran-backed factions in the region, notably those carried out by the Houthis in Yemen against commercial ships in the Red Sea, Iran showcased its latest drones at an international arms exhibition in Qatar this month. Iran stated that its latest drone, named "Gaza," is capable of carrying 13 bombs and operates with a turbine engine that can run for up to a thousand miles at an altitude of 35,000 feet.
According to a report from the American "Wall Street Journal," since the lifting of United Nations restrictions on Iran's missile and drone exports last October, Tehran has been selling its military products at international exhibitions, raising concerns for the United States and its allies. It noted that Iranian weapons "played a role in the October 7 attack on Israel," alongside indirect confrontations between Tehran and Washington, including the killing of three American soldiers in a drone attack in Jordan in January carried out by an Iran-backed Iraqi militia.
New Iranian defense deals include the sale of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, along with drones to the Sudanese government, as reported by the newspaper citing officials. A Sudanese official named Mohamed Fath al-Rahman told the "Wall Street Journal," without specifying his position, that he came to Doha "carrying a detailed list of weapons needed by the government in its fight against the Rapid Support Forces," which are "backed by Russia," according to the newspaper.
He pointed out that after meeting with Iranian military officials during the exhibition, he "discussed purchasing a thousand sniper rifles and night vision equipment," and found the deal with the Iranians "profitable," but also mentioned that "the quality is average but at half the price" compared to competitors.
The American "Bloomberg" agency reported last January that Iran "is supplying the Sudanese army with drones." The agency cited three Western officials, who requested anonymity, stating that Sudan "received shipments of the (Mohajer 6) drone, a single-engine drone manufactured in Iran by Quds Aviation Industries, which carries precision-guided munitions."
An informed source told the "Wall Street Journal" that Qatari defense officials were visiting the Iranian pavilion, as they did with all other exhibitors. The newspaper also clarified that Iran's presence at the Qatari defense industry exhibition puts Doha, an American ally hosting the largest US facility in the region, "in an awkward position."
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated that Washington has contacted the Qataris regarding Iran's presence at the exhibition, explaining: "We still have serious concerns about Iran's efforts to expand the proliferation of dangerous weapons that exacerbate and prolong conflicts around the world."
