The head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission, Ebrahim Azizi, has asserted that Ukraine has become a “party to the war” by allegedly providing drone support to Israel, thereby rendering it a “legitimate target” for Iran. This statement was made via a post on social media platform X.
Azizi referenced Article 51 of the UN Charter, suggesting that Ukraine’s involvement in supporting Israel transforms its territory into a valid target for Iranian military action. As of now, Ukrainian authorities have not publicly responded to these claims.
This assertion comes against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Previously, Azizi indicated that American and Israeli bases in the region could also be considered “legitimate targets” for Iran should the conflict intensify.
Officially, Kyiv has not reported any military assistance to Israel involving drones. However, Ukraine has consistently accused Iran of supporting Russia in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine, particularly in supplying strike drones used to attack Ukrainian cities.
On March 9, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that following the initiation of U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran, Ukraine received 11 requests for the supply of drones capable of countering drone attacks. These requests came from regional neighbors of Iran, as well as European nations and the United States.
On March 4, Zelensky announced Ukraine’s intention to assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian attacks, with Ukrainian experts set to work on-site as part of ongoing negotiations.
Additionally, the Financial Times reported that the U.S. and an unnamed Gulf country are exploring the purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iranian Shahed drones. In exchange, Zelensky has proposed a “quiet exchange” of assistance, seeking missiles for air defense systems from Middle Eastern nations.
Ebrahim Azizi, an Iranian official, has claimed that Ukraine's alleged drone support to Israel makes it a legitimate target for Iran, escalating regional tensions. Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed any military assistance to Israel while accusing Iran of aiding Russia against Ukraine.