U.S. to block Iran’s access to UAV technology

U.S. Congressmen want to prevent the use of Western technology in Iranian-made combat drones.

The United States has introduced legislation to block the use of transatlantic technology in Iranian-made drones.

Specifically, the law requires a report on a strategy to supplement current sanctions against Iran in order to prevent technology exports.

Technologies they want to block for Iran could be used in the design, development, production or operation of drones.

“It is inexcusable that American products are being used on Iranian drones which are deployed to attack our allies and murder civilians. We must use every tool at our disposal to stop American innovation from being weaponized by our adversaries,” said Rep. Wilson.

They should also prepare a report on the strategy of involving European and Asian allies in preventing the export of technology.

The Department of Defense must develop a number of options that could be used by the U.S. military to counter Iran’s acquisition of drone technology.

Russia’s use of Iranian made drones is a direct concern for both U.S. and European security.

During its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has been using these drones to bombard Ukrainian infrastructure and locations actively used by civilians.

When the drones were analyzed, it was discovered that some were made with components designed and built by U.S. and European companies.

Despite significant sanctions imposed, U.S. and EU technology continues to be transferred to Iranian entities due to their dual use properties. The Block the Use of Transatlantic Technology in Iranian Made Drones Act of 2023 would take steps to prevent this from continuing.

As previously reported, the U.S. Army is testing experimental weapons against Iranian-made drones with the help of the Ukrainian military.