Iran’s sale of military UAVs to Russia violates existing UN Security Council prohibitions, the State Department said as Ukraine confronted waves of suicide drone attacks from Russia.

“It is our belief that these UAVs that were transferred from Iran to Russia, and used by Russia in Ukraine are among the weapons that would remain embargoed under 2231”, - Spokesperson said.

The State Department was referring to a 2015 Security Council resolution that endorsed the landmark nuclear accord Iran struck with world powers. It lifted many sanctions imposed on the Islamic Republic in return for Tehran agreeing to curb its nuclear activities and allowing an international inspections regime to take effect.

The resolution also established a 2020 deadline for an arms embargo to be lifted, and former President Donald Trump unsuccessfully lobbied to have it extended. It does, however, maintain restrictions on the transfer of certain military technologies through 2023.