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US Concerned Over Arms Deals Between Russia, Iran
The United States expressed on Thursday its concern over reports that Russia is preparing to sell missiles, submarines and other equipment to Iran.
US State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said the equipment Russia might provide Iran could not be simply defined as "defensive." Some of the equipment could pose a serious threat to security interests of the United States and others.
Last month, Russia announced that it was abandoning a 1995 pledge not to sell tanks or other battlefield weapons to Iran, which has been accused by Washington of sponsoring terrorism.
The US is trying to persuade Russia to change its mind and has threatened economic sanctions.
Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev said on Wednesday that Russia would abide by international agreements in its arms deals with Iran, an apparent reference to international nuclear and other nonproliferation agreements. The Russian government has affirmed that it would not supply hardware capable of creating or delivering weapons of mass destruction.
Reeker said the United States would continue to watch closely the evolving military relationship between Russia and Iran and would impose sanctions on Russia if it determines that Russia is making unacceptable weapon sales to Tehran.
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