Iran has called on Ukraine to halt the supply of arms to terrorist groups operating in Syria, accusing Kyiv of undermining international commitments to counter terrorism. This statement comes from Mojtaba Demirchilou, Assistant Minister and Director-General for Eurasia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, who highlighted reports of illicit arms trade involving American-supplied weapons being funneled to extremist groups.
Demirchilou described the activities as “a blatant violation of international obligations,” urging Ukraine to cease these practices immediately. He pointed out that such actions embolden extremist and Takfiri elements, many of which are designated as terrorist organizations by the United Nations Security Council.
A New Flashpoint in Iran-Ukraine Relations
This statement marks a new escalation in already strained relations between Iran and Ukraine. Ukraine has previously accused Iran of supporting Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine, specifically alleging that Iranian drones were supplied to Moscow for military use. Tehran has consistently denied these claims, asserting that no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate them. Iran maintains that it is not involved in the conflict and has reiterated its position as a neutral actor advocating for peace and diplomacy.
In response to Ukraine’s accusations, Iranian officials have stated that such allegations are politically motivated and lack factual basis. The Iranian government has also criticized the West’s arming of Ukraine, arguing that it has exacerbated global instability and prolonged conflicts.
A Broader Context of Regional Instability
Demirchilou underscored the broader implications of supporting terrorist organizations in Syria, describing it as a “short-sighted and unethical policy” that violates international principles. “History has shown that alliances with terrorism only lead to greater insecurity and violence, eventually affecting even their sponsors,” he warned.
Regional and International Repercussions
The Iranian official’s remarks align with Tehran’s longstanding position against Western military interventions and arms transfers, which it views as a major destabilizing force in the Middle East. The allegations against Ukraine come amid ongoing tensions in Syria, where multiple international actors are accused of fueling the conflict by supporting various factions.
Tehran has urged greater accountability from governments receiving foreign military aid, emphasizing the need for transparency to prevent such arms from being diverted to extremist groups.
