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U.S. Congress Displays Shahed-136 Drone, Eyes Iran Sanctions; $8,000 UAV Linked to Jordan, Chernobyl Attacks

12 posts • GPT (4.1)

Updated May 9, 2025, 03:52 PM

A captured Iranian-made Shahed-136 drone, previously used by Russian forces in Ukraine and downed by Ukrainian forces, was exhibited at the U.S. Capitol during an event organized by United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). The display was attended by senior U.S. lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Ted Cruz, Representative Mike Lawler, as well as American and Polish officials. Panelists included Bogdan Klich, Poland's ambassador to the U.S., Norman Roule, and Jason Brodsky. The Shahed-136 drone, with a delta wing design, measures approximately 3.35 meters in length, 2.44 meters in wingspan, and has a range of up to 2,575 kilometers. It can carry a 50-kilogram warhead and costs around $8,000 to produce. UANI CEO Mark Wallace described the drone as a 'terror weapon of mass destruction.' The event aimed to raise awareness among U.S. policymakers about the threat posed by Iranian drone technology and its proliferation. The Shahed-136 has been used in attacks such as the strike on a U.S. base in Jordan, which killed three U.S. soldiers and wounded 47, and a similar model was reportedly used in an attack on the Chernobyl nuclear plant. The drone had previously been displayed at the CPAC conference. The exhibition coincided with U.S. congressional consideration of tougher sanctions against Iran, targeting both its drone manufacturing sector and its support for Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. The drone on display was brought to Washington with the assistance of the Polish government. In parallel, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled a new underground drone facility, highlighting Tehran's efforts to protect and expand its unmanned aerial capabilities. The timing of these developments comes ahead of renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations and President Donald Trump's upcoming trip to the Middle East, where Iran's regional activities are expected to be a key topic.

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Sources

washingtontimes.com(2)youtube.com newsweek.com iranintl.com

Congressman Mike Lawler

@RepMikeLawler

I spoke at an important event hosted by @UANI on the growing threat of Iranian drone proliferation. With Iran’s drones like this Shahed-136 aiding Russia’s assault on Ukraine, we must remain vigilant and united in confronting the IRGC and its terror proxies. https://t.co/DrVNNvvFq5

Congressman Mike Lawler

@RepMikeLawler

Copy for UANI drone viewing: I spoke at an important event hosted by @UANI on the growing threat of Iranian drone proliferation. With Iran’s drones like this Shahed-136 aiding Russia’s assault on Ukraine, we must remain vigilant and united in confronting the IRGC and its terror https://t.co/b7nk3x0iXO

C4H10FO2P ☠️

@markito0171

🇷🇺🇮🇷#Russia/#Iran made "Shahed" suicide drone arrived in 🇺🇸#US Capitol, downed by an EW-system in 🇺🇦#Ukraine, brought to #Washington by 🇵🇱#Poland's goverment https://t.co/4wMjt1JC4N