Western Academics Collaborate On Drone Research With Iranian University Linked To Ayatollah’s Regime

In a groundbreaking investigation, The Guardian has uncovered a collaboration between western academics from prestigious institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Sharif University in Iran, notorious for its close association with the military and for being under international financial sanctions.

The research in question, published in 2023 by the globally recognised Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, delves into the utilisation of drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), in wireless networks and as communication hubs.

Despite no evidence suggesting a violation of sanctions or laws, experts have raised concerns about the potential military applications of this collaboration.

According to Conor Healy, Director of Government Research at IPVM, a US-based publication focused on security technology, the technology discussed in the research paper holds direct implications for military usage.

He points out its relevance in establishing new communication channels, particularly crucial in drone warfare scenarios such as those observed in conflicts like the one in Ukraine.

Robert Czulda, a professor specialising in international and political studies at the University of Łódź in Poland, echoed Healy’s sentiments, emphasising the potential danger associated with such research projects.

He emphasised the ease with which systems related to communication and signal repeating could be repurposed for military use.

The study in question involved collaboration between researchers from esteemed institutions including the University of Southampton, the University of New South Wales in Sydney, the University of Houston, and Sharif University of Technology in Tehran.

Funding for the research came from various government-backed research councils in the UK, EU, and Australia.

However, Sharif University’s involvement raises eyebrows due to its status under financial sanctions imposed by the EU and UK.

Moreover, a senior official from the institution is sanctioned by the US. Reports suggest that Iran’s rapid progress in UAV development is partially attributed to research support from Sharif University.

Iranian-made drones have gained notoriety for their presence and impact on various battlefields, altering the landscape of modern warfare. They have been implicated in attacks across regions including Ukraine, Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and even against US bases.

Critics argue that academic collaboration with Iranian universities poses risks, as knowledge gained in such partnerships could bolster Iran’s security priorities, potentially contributing to the enhancement of its military capabilities.

Governments worldwide have taken steps to curb academic collaboration that might inadvertently bolster Iran’s drone program.

In the UK, an investigation was launched into allegations of collaboration between UK universities and their Iranian counterparts on UAV research. Canada also tightened restrictions on research funding, categorising UAV-related technologies as sensitive.

Responding to the revelations, the University of Southampton confirmed the termination of all formal and informal research collaborations with Iran.

Similarly, the University of Houston disavowed any association with the research, emphasising compliance with export control laws.

The University of New South Wales stressed its commitment to security and compliance obligations, stating that collaborations with high-risk entities undergo rigorous assessment and management.

Main image: By Masoud K – Flickr: Sharif University of Technology, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33184066

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Read also: Iran Sanctions: UK, France & Germany (E3) to transpose UN sanctions into national law

“In response to continued Iranian non-compliance with their JCPoA commitments and ongoing nuclear escalation, the E3 have confirmed today that the UN sanctions will be transferred into domestic sanctions regimes and the EU and UK sanctions will be maintained.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________