U.S. Transfers Seized Iranian Ammunition To Ukraine
U.S. transfers seized iranian ammunition to Ukraine military. Over one million rounds of Iranian ammunition were seized from a ship in 2022.
Author:Hajra ShannonReviewer:Paula M. GrahamOct 06, 20232.5K Shares134.7K Views
The U.S. Central Command recently made an announcement that has significant implications for the ongoing geopolitical situation involving Iran, Ukraine, and the wider Middle East.
U.S. transfers seized iranian ammunition to Ukrainemilitary. Over one million rounds of Iranian ammunition were seized from a ship in 2022.
This transfer has garnered attention, with Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasizing its importance in aiding the "people's fight against another authoritarian regime."
The Transfer Of Ammunition
The transfer of approximately 1.1 million 7.62mm rounds unfolded on a Monday, as revealed by CENTCOM (U.S. Central Command).
These munitions had originally been seized by U.S. Central Command naval forces from the stateless dhow MARWAN 1 on December 9, 2022.
“„These munitions were originally seized by U.S. Central Command naval forces from the transiting stateless dhow MARWAN 1, Dec. 9, 2022. The munitions were being transferred from the IRGC to the Houthis in Yemen in violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216.- The Justice Department
The ammunition was in transit from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to the Houthis in Yemen, a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216.
Attorney General Merrick Garland expressed the significance of this transfer in a statement.
He stated that with this weapons transfer, the Justice Department's forfeiture actions against one authoritarian regime are now directly supporting the Ukrainian people's fight against another authoritarian regime.
He added that they will continue to use every legal authority at their disposal to support Ukraine's pursuit of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
CENTCOM also highlighted the United States' commitment to working with its allies and partners to counter the flow of Iranian lethal aid in the region.
“„The government obtained ownership of these munitions on July 20, 2023, through the Department of Justice’s civil forfeiture claims against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).- CENTCOM
This commitment includes the use of lawful means such as U.S. and U.N. sanctions and interdictions. The transfer of ammunition is seen as a tangible step in fulfilling this commitment.
Domestic Concerns And Funding
The transfer of seized Iranian ammunition to Ukraine has not been without domestic debate. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky has raised concerns about continued funding for Ukraine.
He mentioned that there is a "growing movement" within the Republican party to cut additional funding to Ukraine.
Paul argued that the United States faces challenges in funding domestic programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and questioned the allocation of extra resources to another country.
“„We have problems funding Social Security, we have problems funding, Medicare, Medicaid, all the things that have already been promised to our people we have trouble funding, and we just don't have extra money just to be sending to another country.- Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky
According to the White House, the U.S. has sent more than an estimated $100 billion of taxpayer dollars to Ukraine since the war began.
These figures underscore the ongoing debate in Washington about the allocation of resources to international causes.
A recent U.S. State Department strategy memo outlines the top priorities for Ukraine. It reveals that the Biden administration has concerns about corruption in the Eastern European country.
However, despite these concerns, the U.S. continues to support Ukraine with "continued military and security assistance."
The document emphasizes the importance of a clear and transparent strategy to deoligarch the economy and deliver prosperity for all in Ukraine.
Legal Pathways To Send Seized Weapons
The U.S. Justice Department and defense officials have been collaborating to find a legal pathway to send the seized Iranian weapons, including ammunition and rocket-propelled grenades, to Ukraine.
One such pathway involves utilizing the U.S.'s civil forfeiture authorities. This approach has been employed in at least two forfeiture complaints against seized Iranian ammunition and weapons this year.
Jonathan Lord, a senior fellow and director of the Middle East security program at the Center for a New American Security, has advocated for sending the seized Iranian weapons to Ukraine.
He believes that while this transfer doesn't address all of Ukraine's military needs, it provides critical support to the country's war effort. Additionally, this move could have implications for Iran's relationship with Russia.
Lord pointed out that Iranian UAVs in the hands of the Russian military have been used against Ukrainian civilians.
He sees poetic justice in Ukraine utilizing seized Iranian weapons to defend itself against Russia's actions.
Furthermore, this policy may strain the burgeoning relationship between Moscow and Tehran, potentially reshaping regional dynamics.
Final Words
The transfer of seized Iranian ammunition to Ukraine is a significant development in the ongoing international conflict.
It underscores the U.S.'s commitment to countering Iranian influence in the region and supporting Ukraine's struggle for freedom.
However, it also raises domestic debates about the allocation of resources and concerns over corruption in Ukraine.
The decision could have wider implications for the relationships between Iran, Russia, and the United States, making it a development worth watching closely on the global stage.
Hajra Shannon
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
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