The critical importance of blacklisting the Iran regime’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group becomes evident as Iran’s regime deepens its involvement in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The IRGC has been providing technical support to Russian pilots, equipping them with Iranian-made drones to carry out bombings on civilian targets. The devastating impact of these Iranian drones in Ukraine cannot be overstated, as they are being used as kamikaze weapons, causing havoc, and claiming innocent lives across the country.
The Shahed-136 drones, supplied by Tehran to Russia, have proven to be highly destructive. These drones, functioning as suicide machines armed with explosives, have become instruments of terror, unleashing daily attacks that reduce buildings to rubble and instill fear in the hearts of Ukrainian civilians. With a range exceeding 600 miles, these drones can loiter above potential targets for extended periods, only to dive into enemy soldiers, vehicles, or buildings upon their final descent, resulting in devastating explosions.
Initially, Iran’s regime denied any involvement in arming Russia, but later admitted to sending “a small number of drones months before the Ukraine war.” Disturbingly, Tehran officials have also confirmed their intention to supply ballistic missiles to replenish Russia’s dwindling arsenal. As a result, these Iranian-made drones have become a consistent feature of Russia’s attacks on urban centers and power stations, leading to widespread chaos and destruction.
Eyewitness accounts from Ukrainian residents living through these drone attacks are harrowing, as they describe the ominous roar preceding the devastating explosions that occur near their homes. It is evident that the destructive capabilities of the Shahed-136 drones pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Reports indicate that these Iranian drones were first utilized in Yemen and that Iran has sold hundreds of them to Russia. Equipped with explosives and programmable GPS coordinates for precision targeting, the Shahed UAVs have become tools of destruction in the hands of aggressors. With a length of almost 12 feet and a wingspan of 4 feet, their distinctive triangular delta shape conceals an explosive payload in the nose, along with the necessary guidance technology for accurate strikes. The engine, reminiscent of those found in lawnmowers or mopeds, consists of two-bladed propellers positioned at the rear.
To overwhelm air defenses, multiple drones, often launched in batches of five or more, are released simultaneously from the same rack. A rocket launcher mounted on a truck facilitates rapid and sequential firings, with the rocket discarded upon take-off and the engine taking over as the drones soar. By flying low and slowly, nearly parallel to the ground, these drones minimize radar detection, making them significantly harder to track.
The alarming rise of Iran’s regime in supplying destructive drones to Russia has amplified the devastation experienced by Ukrainian civilians and poses a continuous threat to their nation. It is imperative for the international community to recognize the significance of blacklisting the IRGC as a terrorist group, given its active role in fueling wars worldwide. By taking decisive action against the IRGC, nations can help curb the destructive capabilities of entities involved in acts of terror and protect innocent lives caught in the crosshairs of conflict.
In response to these concerns, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a bill proposing sanctions against Iran’s regime for supporting Russia in the use of these destructive drones. The Ukrainian Parliament, Verkhovna Rada, later approved the implementation of these sanctions, outlining restrictive measures for a duration of 50 years. These measures include trade bans, transit restrictions, capital withdrawal limitations, and prohibitions on investments, technology transfers, and electronic payments by Iranian residents. This decisive action reflects Ukraine’s firm stance on the matter and addresses the urgent need to curb Iran’s support for Russia’s aggression.
Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), commended President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian Parliament for adopting the 50-year sanctions against Iran’s oppressive religious regime. She highlighted the resilience of the Iranian people, who have long boycotted the clerical regime and strive for its overthrow as soon as possible.
Source » irannewsupdate