The United States has sent 1.1 million rounds of seized Iranian munitions to Ukraine, a significant boost to the Ukrainian military as it battles Russia’s ongoing invasion. The ammunition, which is 7.62mm caliber and was originally intended for Houthi rebels in Yemen, was seized by the US Navy in February.
“The U.S. is committed to working with our allies and partners to counter the flow of Iranian lethal aid in the region by all lawful means including U.S. and U.N. sanctions and through interdictions,” U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) officials said in a news release.
The donation included 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds obtained over the summer by the Department of Justice’s civil forfeiture claims against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The munitions were seized when Iranian armed forces were transferring the rounds to the Houthis in Yemen. U.S. officials accused the group of violating a United Nations Security Council resolution that imposed sanctions on rebel groups undermining the stability of Yemen.
Naval forces have reportedly confiscated weapons, including various missiles, drones, explosives, and rocket fuel, from dhows and speedboats smuggling Iranian arms in recent years.
On Tuesday, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh reportedly confirmed that the financial support would soon run out if Congress does not authorize additional funding.
“We have enough funding authorities to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs for just a little bit longer, but we need Congress to act to ensure there is no disruption in our support,” Singh said.
President Joe Biden asked Congress last month to approve an additional $24 billion package to Ukraine for military aid and economic, humanitarian, and security assistance for other countries impacted by the war.
The shipment of ammunition to Ukraine is a significant event that is likely to have far-reaching consequences. It is a sign of the US’s commitment to supporting Ukraine and its people, and it is a rebuke of Iran and Russia. It is also a sign of the US’s willingness to use its military power to deter aggression and defend its interests.
The US will transfer weapons seized from Iran to Ukraine , – CNN
U.S. Central Command expects to make an announcement as early as this week, officials said.
It remains to be seen what legal powers the US will use to facilitate arms transfers, as the UN requires that confiscated… pic.twitter.com/VmnwPZt2C4
— Kvist.P💙💛❤️🇩🇰 (@kvistp) October 4, 2023
