On Thursday, November 17th I was the invited guest at the Jewish Policy Center’s weekly webinar. My topic was Stopping Iran’s Drones. My message was that the United States has a golden opportunity to stop Iran getting critical parts for its drones.
For example, one of Iran’s best drones, the Mohajer-6, is stuffed with parts from the US, from Europe and some from Asia, including China. But the most important part, the engine, is made by the Austria-based firm, Rotax. Rotax is 50% owned by Bain Capital in Boston. Senator Mitt Romney was a cofounder of Bain Capital. The senator could use his influence with the Biden administration and Bain in bringing the delivery of these specialized engines to Iran.
I doubt Senator Romney is aware that Bain owns Rotax and Rotax is supplying Iran. I hope my readers can let him know.
The Iranian drones are being used by Russia in the war in Ukraine. Thus companies that are supplying parts to Iran for these drones face stiff sanctions unless they halt shipments.
The US taxpayer is paying tens of billions of dollars supporting Ukraine, providing arms, government support and help for refugees and displaced persons. Iran’s drones, in Russia’s hands (and in some cases surreptitiously operated in the Ukraine war by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps), clearly violate US and EU sanctions. The administration has no doubt about the sanctions’ violations. But it is hard to understand why nothing is being done to block vital drone supplies to Iran.
As I explain in the video, there is a clear path to stopping Iran’s drones and thwarting their continued use in the Ukraine war, where they play a significant role in Russian attacks on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.
I think it is important for the public to let the Biden administration know they expect concrete action and to end the mollycoddling if Iran and its overseas suppliers.
Here is the webinar video: