Moscow in 10 billion dollar arms sale with Tehran

The deal provides for the sale of tanks, artillery systems, combat aircraft and military helicopters. On the agreement weighs the possible veto of the UN Security Council. Russian official: "Ready to continue negotiations." Iran and China decide to carry out joint military exercises and cooperate in the fight against terrorism.

Tehran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Tehran and Moscow are at the final stages of negotiations that will lead to a 10 billion dollar weapons sale. According to reports from a Russian senator, the Kremlin will give the army of the Islamic Republic of T-90 tanks, the latest generation artillery systems, combat aircraft and military helicopters.

Viktor Ozerov, head of the Committee for the defense and security of the Upper House of Parliament, reports that the talks between the two sides was underway. In the recent visit of a Russian delegation to Tehran last details were discussed and the agreement is ready for signature.

The supply of arms and military equipment from Russia to Iran will further strengthen the alliance between Moscow and Tehran, which has emerged in the Syrian arena.

Last year the United Nations removed - at least partly - the embargo on arms sales to Iran, following the signing of the agreement on the nuclear issue by Tehran.

However, until 2020 the UN Security Council must give the green light to trade in conventional weapons; and this clause may constitute a serious obstacle to the conclusion of the Agreement between the Kremlin and the Islamic Republic.

"Obviously the United States and its allies - said Viktor Ozerov - will block these supplies, but we are ready to continue the negotiations." Moreover, already in the recent past, Russia has provided Iran with S-300 missile defense system, while remaining faithful to a 2007 agreement that remained blocked because of Western pressure.

The relations between Russia and Iran have long been controversial and troubled.  However, in the last several years, commonalities and key alliances are emerging between both nations in major international disputes. The war in Syria and support for President Bashar al-Assad is perhaps the most obvious case.

Senior Government officials in  Moscow have emphasized that Russia continues to support the terms provided for in the (international) deal on the Iranian nuclear issue and that the Kremlin's position "has not changed." An answer, albeit indirectly, to the claims of neo US President Donald Trump that during the election campaign termed it "the worst agreement ever negotiated”.

It remains to be seen how and when the new US administration will move, also in consideration of the fact that - at least in words - the new occupant of the White House intends to resume relations with Moscow and open new avenues of dialogue with Vladimir Putin.

Meanwhile, Iran and China have announced an agreement to carry out joint military exercises and cooperation between the two countries in combating terrorism. General Hossein Dehghan, the Iranian defense minister, and his Chinese counterpart Chang Wanquan have signed the document, which binds the Chinese and Iranian armies even more. In the context of the signing, Beijing and Tehran also announced the intention to "create a collective movement to combat the threat" of terrorism