US to impose sanctions on the countries selling arms to Iran

Washington/Tehran: – Iran announced the intent to sell and purchase arms from allies, after the term of sanctions imposed by the United Nations on Iran ended on Sunday. The United States, infuriated with this, has threatened to impose sanctions against anyone supplying arms to Iran. Whereas, the Iranian foreign ministry criticised that the US efforts to impose sanctions against Iran have turned out to be futile.

The term of sanctions imposed by the United Nations against Iran, ten years ago, ended on Sunday. Around a month ago, the United States had demanded extension of the term of these sanctions. Last month, the United States presented a proposal to the United Nations for this purpose. The United States had warned that if Iran is equipped with weapons, it will be a threat to the security and stability of the Middle East region. But after the United Nations rejected the US proposal, it was a foregone conclusion that the term of sanctions against Iran would end.

Iran announced sale and purchase of arms, with allies, after the lifting of sanctions. Iran avoided naming the allies. But Russia will be supplying the S-400 system to Iran. Whereas, China, who has been in military cooperation with Iran for the last 25 years also is keen on equipping Iran with arms. It is claimed that Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif held discussions with China in this respect, during his visit to that country, last week.

The United States has objected to the preparations made by Iran to procure weapons. US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, had appealed that every country should refrain from having military ties with Iran for the peace and stability in the Middle East and the success of counter-terrorism campaigns. At the same time, Pompeo warned that any company or country involved in supply or purchase of weapons or military technologies with Iran would face sanctions from the United States.

Iran criticised the warning issued by the US Secretary of State. The Iranian foreign ministry claimed that it is clear from the statements made by US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, that the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran have proved to be futile. The Iranian foreign ministry also said that Iran never paid any heed to the US sanctions and will continue to ignore them. But whatever Iran claims, repercussions of the US sanctions, imposed over the last two years, have become apparent in the Iranian economy. Last month, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani accused that the US sanctions are affecting the Iranian population.

Meanwhile, it is being claimed that although Iran is free from the UN sanctions, there is no possibility of even an old ally like Russia signing new agreements for weapons sale with Iran. The deal for the supply of S-400 is an old one, and the western analysts have inferred that making further purchases of arms from Russia may not be affordable for the Iranian economy.