Arms Merchants See Iran As The Next Battleground For The Sale Of Weapons

Members of the Iranian Armed Forces (file photo)

Defense News: Iran: Next Battleground for Arms Deals?

ABU DHABI — Arabian Gulf countries are closely watching Iran's anticipated re-integration into the international community as it may develop into a Russian-Chinese-Western battleground for arms sales, regional experts said.

Since the announcement of the Lausanne agreement, Russia has lifted its weapons exports ban to Iran and announced it will supply the S-300 missile system purchased in 2010.

And on April 5, the head of the Iran-China Joint Chamber of Commerce, Asadollah Asgaroladi, announced that Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Iran in the "near future," according to the Fars press agency.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries disapprove of this Russian arms sale.

WNU Editor: To say that tens of billions of dollars are at stake is an understatement. When the Shah of Iran was in power, he was one of the world's largest arms buyers .... so everyone knows what is at stake.

Update: Even President Obama is aware of the potential of selling weapons to Iran .... Obama says he is surprised Russia did not resume S-300 supplies to Iran earlier (ITAR-TASS).

Update #2: For a closer look at Iran's military, go to this older War News Updates post .... A Look At Iran's Military.