Latvian President Warns of Iran's Role in Fueling Russia's War Machine

Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs has expressed significant concern over the deepening military cooperation between Russia and Iran, stating that Iranian drone technology has been instrumental in Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Rinkēvičs told Fox News Digital that Iran's assistance to Russia, particularly in the early stages of the invasion, has been substantial. He noted that while Russia is now modernizing drone technology, its fundamental design remains Iranian.

Latvia, a NATO member on the alliance's eastern flank, is preparing to contribute military specialists to a U.S.-led initiative aimed at enhancing security in the Strait of Hormuz. Rinkēvičs confirmed that Latvia has made a political decision to send Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) diver specialists to support international operations in the Middle East as part of this effort.

"Yes, I am concerned. Actually, we have already seen Iran helping Russia a lot, especially at the very beginning of Russia's aggression against Ukraine," Rinkēvičs stated. "The first drones Iranian made or Iranian designed drones were used by Russia. Now Russians are actually modernizing them, making completely new technologies. But actually, the design is still Iranian."

Earlier this week, documents obtained by Fox News Digital revealed a roadmap for cooperation between Russia and Iran from 2024 to 2026, encompassing nuclear, financial, aviation, and infrastructure sectors.

Rinkēvičs conveyed skepticism about the immediate prospects for diplomatic breakthroughs with either Tehran or Moscow, emphasizing the difficulty of engaging in meaningful dialogue with both nations. "It's very, very difficult to have diplomacy with Iran. It's very difficult with Russia," he said.

Regarding the security situation in Europe, Rinkēvičs stated that Latvia does not currently perceive an imminent Russian military threat to its territory. He pointed to the diminished state of the Russian military compared to its capabilities in 2022, citing the protracted nature of Russia's efforts in Ukraine.

The president highlighted that the primary threats facing Latvia are more likely to manifest as sabotage, cyberattacks, and information campaigns, which he described as intensifying. He stressed the need for European leaders to prepare their populations for potential threats without inciting panic.

Rinkēvičs also emphasized the urgent need for NATO to adapt to the evolving landscape of warfare, particularly the increasing prominence of drones and advanced missile technologies. While acknowledging the continued importance of traditional military hardware, he underscored that the conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the rapid transformation of the battlefield due to new technologies.

He welcomed increased defense spending within NATO, attributing this trend in part to former President Donald Trump's emphasis on greater investment. However, Rinkēvičs cautioned that increased funding alone is insufficient to address the alliance's military readiness challenges, noting that acquiring necessary equipment can be subject to production and delivery timelines.

"You have money, but not always you can buy the stuff immediately, or at least you can order things, and they are delivered soon enough," he explained.

Rinkēvičs also noted the significant U.S. military presence in Latvia, with troops stationed at an airbase in Lielvārde, and expressed optimism about further rotations and continued U.S. partnership in the Baltic region. He indicated plans to meet with U.S. defense companies during his visit to the United States.