International concern over Iranian weaponry provided to violent terrorist groups is gaining momentum, as the UK parliament alarmed to the dangers of such ties to regional and global stability and peace.
Last week, MP in the UK parliament raised concern over Iranian drones’ presence among the separatist Polisario groups east of the Western Sahara, requesting sanctions against the Iranian government for such provisions.
The Iranian military assistance to the Polisario Forces was brought to the UK parliament’s attention during an oral session in the House of Commons last Thursday.
Sir James Duddridge from the Conservative party asked the Foreign Secretary to “look at Iran’s activities elsewhere,” as reports multiply around “Iran having provided drones to the Polisario in southern Algeria.”
Duddridge stated that if confirmed, such supply “could destabilise a very fragile peace with the Moroccans in Western Sahara.”
“It is perfectly credible that the Iranians are also involved in places such as Tigray and South Sudan, destabilizing a whole continent as a lever of political power,” concluded Duddridge.
“We carefully examine credible reports of the support provided by Iran not only to Russia in its attack against Ukraine but also to militia groups and other military organizations in the area and throughout Africa,” responded James Cleverly, the secretary of state for foreign affairs.
Iran has admitted to providing military drones to Algeria. The two nations share long-standing diplomatic, economic, and military relations.
Consequently, Morocco has been criticizing Iran’s unsettling activities in North Africa, particularly its drone shipments to militias endangering the stability of the region.
Since 2018, Morocco has remained steadfast in its intention to break off diplomatic relations with Iran. As long as Iran maintains its interventionist foreign policy and meddles in neighboring nations, there is little reason for Morocco to change its stance.
Relations have also been strained further by Iran’s involvement in aiding the separatist Polisario Front.
On the other hand, Israel gave the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces 150 surveillance drones, including the Harop and Heron models, which are recognized for their accuracy and great field performance.
Morocco has been reinforcing its military with defense gear from Turkey and China in addition to the Israeli weaponry, enabling it to carry out airstrikes in the Western Sahara.
Israel sold Morocco explosive Harop drones in a $22 million contract according to The Intercept, following the signing of the first defense MoU between the two nations in 2022.
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