Russia, Iran Sign $7b Military Cooperation Deal

Published October 5th, 2001 - 02:00 GMT
Al Bawaba
Al Bawaba

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov told visiting Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani that Moscow was interested in expanding its cooperation with Tehran after sealing an arms deal that could be worth some $7 billion. 

"Only through continuing such interaction will we be able to guarantee security and establish stability in a region adjacent to our countries," Interfax quoted Ivanov as telling Shamkhani. 

He added that last month's attacks in the United States "strikingly demonstrated the need to pool the efforts of the international community in resisting terrorism." 

According to the Kuwaiti news agency (KUNA), Moscow will supply Tehran with Russian-made sukhoy warplanes, helicopters and tanks. 

Defense analysts earlier told AFP that a new military cooperation deal between Moscow and Tehran could be worth around $7 billion in Russian arms exports. 

The agreement sealed Tuesday by Shamkhani includes the purchase of Iskander long-range supersonic missiles and Yakhont anti-ship missiles, said Razhbjab Safarov, director of the Center for Coordination between Russia and Iran, who is close to the negotiations. 

Safarov was quoted by KUNA as saying that both sides were currently working on bilateral agreements, noting that Moscow was considering supplying Tehran with tactic missiles and anti-ship rockets. 

He added that Iran was in the third place with regards to military cooperation after India and china. 

Other deals include the purchase of Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets, as well as K-50 and K-52 military helicopters. 

Iran will also buy T-90 and T-82K tanks. 

The United States, which regards Iran as a "rogue state," has criticized Russia for selling military and nuclear technology to Tehran – Albawaba.com

© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)

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