![U.S. says Iranian troops "directly engaged" in Crimea, backing Russian drone strikes](https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2022/10/20/9273df05-c31b-4b8a-ae22-98d584693e9f/thumbnail/1200x630/bd976ea765091bf507a3aadaac9d45fa/gettyimages-1243202305.jpg)
U.S. says Iranian troops "directly engaged" in Crimea, backing Russian drone strikes
CBSN
Washington — The White House said Thursday that the U.S. has evidence that Iranian troops are "directly engaged on the ground" in Crimea supporting Russian drone attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure and civilian population.
National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters that Iran has sent a "relatively small number" of personnel to Crimea, a part of Ukraine unilaterally annexed by Russia in contravention of international law in 2014, to assist Russian troops in launching Iranian-made drones against Ukraine.
"The information we have is that the Iranians have put trainers and tech support in Crimea, but it's the Russians who are doing the piloting," Kirby said.
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This story previously aired on Feb. 10, 2024. It was updated on Feb. 15, 2025. AMIE HARWICK (video): You can seek therapy to address an issue like depression, anxiety, a breakup. You can also seek therapy to be a better you! GARETH PURSEHOUSE (voicemail): I have so much I need to say. Please give me a chance to just say it. … Please (crying) please.
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