Middle East Politics.Net » weapons

Lebanon and Iran Sign 5-year Security Pact

vvahedi — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 04:38:06 +0000

London-based Al-Sharq Al-Awsat has reported that Iran and Lebanon have signed a security pact, under which Iran will supply the Lebanese army with weapons and equipment for the next five years.

This agreement was arrived at during Lebanese President Michel Suleiman’s visit to Teheran, which ended this past Tuesday. His visit was focused on security and regional and international matters of concern to both Lebanon and Iran. Suleiman was accompanied by various officials and cabinet members, who met with their Iranian counterparts to discuss matters of mutual concern. It is reported that during the visit, ”Iran announced its readiness to supply Lebanon with defensive weapons, to be agreed upon in the framework of a defensive strategic system the Lebanese will formulate,” a Lebanese source said.

As a result of the visit, both sides have decided to conduct ministerial visits to both Teheran and Beirut in the near future, and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has stated that he plans to visit Beirut soon.

Venus Vahedi

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Lebanon and Iran to Talk Weapons

vvahedi — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:54:15 +0000

Lebanon’s Michel Suleiman began an official visit to Iran today and met his Iranian counterpart, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. One topic up for discussion between the two countries was weapons.

The future of weapons in the hands of Iranian-supported Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, is expected to be discussed during the meetings. International and domestic pressure on Hezbollah has been mounting, causing rumors that the militant group might disarm, but Hezbollah refuses to give into the demand. Hezbollah maintains that arms are necessary for defending Lebanon against potential threats, like Israel.

This visit is part of several international visits Suleiman has conducted since his election as President last May, and part of his campaign to seek support in his country following a sectarian calm. Lebanon was on the brink of civil war early this year, when violence erupted in the streets for several days. And some reports even suggest that Iran was willing to offer Suleiman military assistance. “Suleiman’s visit is important because it opens a new chapter in defense cooperation between the two countries,” Iranian state radio reported. “Increasing the defensive might of the Lebanese army and other security institutions will strengthen Lebanon against the danger of the Zionist regime.” If so, the relationship between Lebanon and Iran is sure to grow.

Venus Vahedi

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Iran Tests New Missile, Europe in Range

stevencc — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:44:02 +0000

In response to the United States’ arms embargo following the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iran has been improving its weapons capabilities. The latest development in its weapons capabilities is a new missile, called the Sajjil, which is capable of hitting targets 1,200 miles away in Southeastern Europe. The U.S. sees this development as a destabilizing force in the region that could put Iran at odds with Israel, already unhappy about Iran’s nuclear and weapons programs. As is the common practice of the Iranian government, the official statement of the Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammed Najjar assured critics that the missile is part of a “defensive, deterrent strategy … specifically with defensive objectives.” The U.S. has cited these recent weapons developments as a further reason for developing and building an effective missile shield in Europe in the event of an Iranian military threat. President Ahmadinejad didn’t help the situation with a public response to criticism over its programs: “The Iranian nation defends its dignity. Should any power stand against the Iranian nation, the Iranian people will crush it under its foot and will strike it on the mouth.”

Steven Craig

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Iran Claims Successful Test of New Missile

kcahoon — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:59:37 +0000

Iran claims to have successfully tested-fired a new missile that would greatly improve the accuracy of current Iranian defenses. These new missiles have been named “Sajjil” after a story in the Koran where God sends a flock of birds to defend Mecca from an enemy army. These “Sajjil” use the technology of solid fuel, which makes these surface-to-surface missiles more accurate than the liquid fuel missiles that Iran currently possesses. Iranian defense minister Mostafa Mohammed Najjar claims that these new missiles have the power to reach a target 1,200 miles away, which includes Israel and some of Europe. Israel is a country with which Iran and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad have a long history of antagonism; Ahmadinejad has been reported stating he would like to “wipe Israel off the map.” Israel has recently stated that they may take military action to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb, though Najjar did not mention Israel or any other specific nation as one to be reckoned with. While Najjar insists these missiles have been developed solely for the purposes of defense, the hostile nature of Iran has the international community skeptical of claims that the weapons are not a response to any threats against Iran. Ahmadinejad’s proclamation that “should any power stand against the Iranian nation, the Iranian people will crush it under its foot and will strike it on the mouth” does not provide any comfort either.

Kayla Cahoon

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Libya Shopping for Weapons

dcrowley — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:56:09 +0000

Since 2003, the Libyan government has developed friendly relations with the rest of the world, and with this the prospect of trade has vastly increased for the North African country. In particular, Libya is seeking a supplier for modern weapons from many European countries. During the Soviet era, Libya received aircraft, small arms and missiles from that source, however this ended after the fall of the Soviet Union. Because Libya is now relatively friendly with many European powers, it has the ability to shop around for these weapons.

Libya and Russia created closer ties recently and according to the Associated Press, $4.5 billion in debt was written off by Russia in exchange for a lucrative petroleum and railway contract. The two countries have also recently signed a “deal on cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy.” Increasing ties since the collapse of the USSR have made Russia a viable supplier of these weapons again.

However, Russia is not Libya’s only source of weapons. Gadhafi recently undertook week-long tour of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and with their Soviet era weapons factories, Belarus and Ukraine have become strong competitors in the market for weapons. As well, Gadhafi claims that he has received offers from Britain, France and Italy, allowing Libya to seek the best price.

David Crowley

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Iran Helping the Taliban?

kcahoon — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:00:54 +0000

A BBC report stated Monday that a recent investigation has led them to believe that Iran is sending weapons to the Taliban to help defeat the Afghan government. Taliban leaders claim to have Iranian weapons, such as a mine referred to as the “Dragon” that is said to be particularly destructive. UK troops in Afghanistan say they have intercepted Iranian weapons, which are worth more than those from Russia, Pakistan or China, and are therefore much sought after by the Taliban. The British ambassador in Kabul has commented on the possible dangers involved in a Shiite state aiding Sunni terrorists. It has been further suggested that in light of the worsening relationship between Iran and the U.S. that perhaps Iran and the Taliban are working together to defeat a common enemy. The Taliban is currently involved in attempts to overthrow the Afghan government that is supported by U.S. troops stationed there. The Iranian embassy in Kabul vehemently denies that the Iranian state is sending any weapons to the Taliban, and that they are completely supportive of the current Afghan government.

Kayla Cahoon

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