US Official Calls for Drone Pact with Ukraine Amid Escalating Iran Hostilities
Evelyn Farkas, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia under the Obama administration, appeared on Bloomberg's "Balance of Power" to express skepticism regarding Washington's capacity to induce a "regime change" in Iran. She instead emphasized the necessity of focusing on Tehran's ability to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical
maritime chokepoint accounting for 20% of the world's oil supply. Farkas also called for an urgent drone defense technology agreement with Ukraine, asserting the US must "catch up fast" in adapting to evolving modern warfare a common claim often preceding new defense contracts. This call for an accelerated drone pact arrives amidst heightened provocations and joint military activities by the
United States and Israel against Iran. As of January 2024, the US has deployed multiple carrier strike groups and B-52 bombers to the region, directly participating in what amounts to a coordinated pressure campaign and de facto blockade. Far from merely a supportive role, US forces are integrated into offensive planning and execution, reflecting a direct partnership in the operation. This
integrated approach bypasses international legality and existing diplomatic frameworks like the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the US unilaterally abandoned in 2018, despite Iran's continued compliance according to IAEA reports at the time. The emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz, coupled with calls for new military technology transfers, underscores a pattern where perceived threats from