US Provides 1.1 Million Rounds of Seized Iranian Ammunition to Ukraine

In a significant move aimed at supporting Ukraine, the United States has recently sent approximately 1.1 million rounds of ammunition, seized from Iran, to Kyiv. This action comes in response to Ukraine’s urgent need for military supplies as it faces ongoing challenges in its conflict with Russia. The ammunition, confiscated from a ship bound for Yemen in December, has been transferred to Ukraine through the US Central Command (Centcom). While this allocation is substantial, it represents a fraction of the ammunition already provided by Western allies to support Ukraine in its struggle.

The ammunition in question is of 7.62mm calibre, primarily used in Soviet-era rifles and light machine-guns. This transfer underscores the commitment of the United States to assist Ukraine in its defense efforts. The US has already contributed over 200 million bullets and grenades to Ukraine, highlighting its unwavering support for the nation.

The Iranian ammunition was initially seized by US naval forces from a stateless ship known as MARWAN 1 on December 9th. Ownership of these munitions was officially transferred to the US government in July through a legal process called civil forfeiture. This process allows authorities to confiscate assets when there is evidence of involvement in criminal activities. In this case, the claim was brought against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of Iran’s armed forces responsible for safeguarding the country’s government.

Centcom has stated that the United States is “committed to working with our allies and partners to counter the flow of Iranian lethal aid in the region by all lawful means.” This action reflects concerns about Iran’s support for the Houthi rebels in Yemen’s protracted civil war, a violation of a 2015 UN Security Council resolution that prohibits arms transfers to the group.

The civil war in Yemen commenced in 2014 when the Houthi rebels took control of the capital, Sanaa, and ousted the country’s government. The internationally recognized Yemeni government, supported by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia and including the US and the UK, continues to face the Houthi insurgency.

While this transfer of ammunition is a crucial step in aiding Ukraine, it underscores the pressing need for governments and arms manufacturers to intensify production efforts. Oleksandr Vasiuk, a Ukrainian MP who co-chairs a committee on cooperation with the US, emphasized that the US’s willingness to provide seized weapons and ammunition demonstrates its commitment as a strong ally to Ukraine. He stressed the importance of this support in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

The transfer of ammunition to Ukraine comes at a time when Western allies are increasingly concerned about their ability to supply Kyiv with the necessary resources for its defense. Adm Rob Bauer, the chairman of NATO’s military committee, highlighted that decades of underinvestment had left NATO countries with half-empty or even empty ammunition stocks at the beginning of the conflict. This situation underscores the urgency of bolstering support for Ukraine.

The transfer of 1.1 million rounds of seized Iranian ammunition to Ukraine by the United States is a significant gesture of support. It demonstrates the commitment of the US and its allies to assist Ukraine in its ongoing struggle. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is essential for Western nations to address the pressing need for increased ammunition production to ensure Ukraine’s continued ability to defend itself.