Russia and Iran signed a co-operation agreement yesterday that paves the way for sales of weapons and nuclear technology. The deal is likely to strain relations between Moscow and Washington.
The agreement was announced at the start of a four-day visit to Russia by President Mohammad Khatami. No specific arms contracts were announced, but Russia said it was prepared to sell a whole range of "defensive" weapons to Iran.
"Iran has the right to ensure its defensive capacity and security," President Vladimir Putin said. "Iran should be a self-sufficient, independent state that is ready to protect its national interests." Russia will also increase the export of nuclear technology, in addition to its role in building an Iranian nuclear power station.
But the move is likely to annoy the United States. Russia announced last November it was abandoning a 1995 agreement signed between the two countries pledging a freeze on arms sales to Iran. Mr Khatami insisted yesterday that any weapons bought would be for defence only. "Our interest in weapons is not for killing people in different countries. We just want to make our country stronger."
The arms sale may be huge: Iran's Moscow ambassador said recently his country wanted to buy US$7 billion of Russian weapons.
What these weapons will be is unclear. After many years of international arms sanctions, Iran is short of almost everything. Top of the list is believed to be an off-the-shelf air-defence system, including radars and missiles, along with upgrades for ageing Mig 29 fighters.
US pressure may see Russia refuse Iranian requests for more elaborate weapons, including technology to allow them to build missiles with the range to hit Israel. The Pentagon will also be alarmed if Russia agrees to the sale of the Yakhon or Moskit anti-shipping missiles, each with a range of over 100 miles and capable of closing the vital Persian Gulf oil tanker route to shipping.
The US Defence Secretary, Mr Donald Rumsfeld, said last month: "Let's be very honest about what Russia is doing. They are selling to, and assisting, countries like Iran, North Korea and India and other countries with these technologies, which are threatening other people."