Washington warns against Tehran’s intent to buy arms after end of embargo

Eslam Mohamed

Following the end of the UN arms embargo imposed on Iran on Sunday, October 18, Washington has warned world countries against dealing with the mullah regime, which supports terrorism. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo confirmed that any arms sales to Iran will lead to sanctions on those proven to be involved.

Despite the end of the embargo, many parties doubt Tehran’s ability to hold arms sales or transactions, given the obstacles that will prevent this due to Washington reinstating all UN sanctions.

On Wednesday, October 14, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani congratulated the Iranian people on the end of the arms embargo and said that his country can buy weapons from any country it wants at any time.

This comes at a time when Iran is suffering an unprecedented collapse of its currency, increasing prices, inflation, and living crises.

Meanwhile, Iranian regime officials claim that the US sanctions are even hindering the purchase of medicines that citizens need, despite their exemption from the sanctions. Rouhani described the arms embargo’s expiration date as a “national day,” saying that there are no longer any restrictions on arms sales.

Earlier, Iranian media reported that Hossein Dehghan, a former defense minister and military advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, provided a long list of weapons that the army needs to Russian officials during his visit to Moscow.

Tasnim, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps news agency, stated that the list includes anti-submarine missiles, amphibious ships, Sukhoi SU-35 fighter jets and T-90 combat tanks.

In addition, the European Council on Foreign Relations, one of the most important think tanks and research groups in Europe, confirmed that Iran is unlikely to be able to conclude arms deals in the near term due to the risks that would result.

In a report issued on Saturday, October 17, the Council urged European governments to carefully consider the risks that come with the end of the UN-imposed arms embargo, stressing that the great political and economic pressure exerted by the United States on Russian and Chinese arms companies could reduce their appetite and ability to press ahead with deals with Iran.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Sunday night that the end of the arms embargo on Tehran is automatic and does not require a new statement or resolution from the UN Security Council.

The ministry pointed out that Iran can now secure any weapons or equipment that it needs from any source, without any legal restrictions, making it clear that it relies on itself for defense.

The United States has tried over recent months to mobilize support for extending the embargo imposed on Tehran, but it failed to do so due to the opposition of Russia and China, as both countries have permanent seats on the UN Security Council.