NATO to send additional patrol planes to Black Sea after drone attacks

Iran warned NATO and European countries on Tuesday (Oct. 20) about alleged Ukrainian drone buildup near its borders, according to the Revolutionary Guards-affiliated Tasnim News Agency. An unnamed Iranian security source claimed that Ukraine had deployed drone units and thousands of micro-drones in countries adjacent to Iran, including Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.

The source accused Ukraine of establishing an operational micro-drone network across the region and suggested that these actions were part of "hostile actions by Europe and NATO" against Iran. Iran stated that it was monitoring the alleged deployments and considering an appropriate response. The source did not name the other host countries, stating that their identities would be revealed at the appropriate time.

This warning follows earlier Iranian allegations that Ukraine supported anti-Iran activities and provided drone-warfare expertise to Gulf states in countering Iranian attacks. The report could influence regional security calculations, especially as tensions rise due to the Iran war and increased friction between NATO and Iran. The report lacked independent evidence, an official Ukrainian statement, Nato confirmation, or verification from the Iraqi Kurdish government.