A U.S. State Department spokesman yesterday said he couldn’t comment on an unverified report that Iran has sold $500 million worth of arms, including suicide drones, to Armenia. 

Iran and Armenia have denied the claim that was published by the UK-based Iranian opposition news outlet Iran International on July 24.

U.S. State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel, during a press briefing on August 1, was also asked to comment on the withdrawal of Russian border guards from Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport.

“I don’t have any additional details behind this development; I’m happy to look into it. But certainly would be a welcome step in the right direction,” Patel responded.

When asked if the U.S. could facilitate the release of Armenian detainees held by Azerbaijan, Patel said Washington has always called for the humane treatment of detainees held by any country in accordance with international law.

Armenia says fifty-five Armenians, including former Artsakh officials, are detained in Baku