Top Iranian Defense Official Visits Moscow to Talk Jet, Tank Purchase

Are the Russians going to sell tanks to Iran? Russian President Vladimir Putin. Illustrative. Photo courtesy of the office of the President of Russia.

Are the Russians going to sell tanks to Iran? Russian President Vladimir Putin. Illustrative. Photo courtesy of the office of the President of Russia.

Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan left for Russia on Tuesday with plans to do more than just attend an international security conference—he’s also looking to buy Russian fighter jets and tanks. The Fars News Agency reported that Dehqan is expected to discuss purchasing Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets and T-90 tanks, but the sale of the big guns could be a target for a United Nations veto.

Back in February, when a massive Russian sale of weapons to Iran was reported, Fox News noted that a United Nations resolution prohibits the sales of tanks, jets and more to Iran without the approval of the UN Security Council. An expert on the matter tweeted at the time that the United States—as a veto-wielding member of the powerful UN Security Council—could prevent such a deal for the foreseeable future.

“For the next five years, US or other P5 member could block” the Russian sale of heavy weapons to Iran, tweeted Michael Singh, managing director at the Washington Institute and former senior director at the National Security Council.

Fars reported that the Russian conference receiving Iranian attendance will focus on terrorism. While Iran is among the many nations battling dangerous terrorists such as ISIS, the arms discussion highlights that Iran is still a serious threat in their own right.

Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesman David Keyes took to Twitter on Sunday to make that very point. “Iran claims it’s stopping ISIS’ murderous terrorist regime by imposing its own, more powerful murderous terrorist regime. What a deal!” tweeted Keyes.

(By Joshua Spurlock, www.themideastupdate.com, April 26, 2016)

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