TEHRAN, October 26. /TASS/. Iran is closely monitoring developments along its borders following reports Ukraine has been deploying unmanned aerial vehicles in neighboring areas and stands ready to counter any associated threats, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has said.

Earlier, Iranian news agency Tasnim, citing various sources, reported that Ukraine was actively deploying thousands of drones in countries bordering Iran, including Iraq’s Kurdistan region. One source told the agency that Tehran views Kiev’s actions as part of a hostile strategy pursued by NATO and the European Union and is assessing possible countermeasures.

"Those responsible for maintaining readiness to act whenever necessary to defend the country, repel hostile actions, and neutralize threats are doing exactly that. Wherever we have identified a threat to the country, our armed forces have responded resolutely to defend it, and they will continue to do so," Baghaei said at a news briefing.