Tehran Outraged at US Pledge to Obstruct its Weapons Program

Suicide drones displayed during a ceremony in Iran on Thursday (AP)
Suicide drones displayed during a ceremony in Iran on Thursday (AP)
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Tehran Outraged at US Pledge to Obstruct its Weapons Program

Suicide drones displayed during a ceremony in Iran on Thursday (AP)
Suicide drones displayed during a ceremony in Iran on Thursday (AP)

Tehran has expressed outrage at US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s pledge to obstruct Iran’s arms purchases, describing it as “provocative” and an attempt to “stir up differences” between countries in the region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said that Iran’s military program was “merely for defense and deterrence”, and not against any country that does not intend to attack Iran.

On Thursday, Blinken pledged to obstruct Iran’s quest to engage in the arms market, accusing Tehran of “destabilization” attempts.

He was referring to a new set of sanctions imposed last Wednesday by the US administration on an international network of companies that are circumventing sanctions aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining spare parts for drones.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman criticized the US sanctions, saying: “The provocative statements of the US Secretary of State regarding the Iranian military program aim to continue marketing US weapons.”

He accused Washington of “seeking to consolidate the failed project of intimidation against Iran, and stir up disputes between the countries of the region.”

“Contrary to the irresponsible statements, the Islamic Republic has always underscored the need for good neighborliness, dialogue, contribution and cooperation to guarantee security and joint interests of the regional countries away from foreign interventions,” Kanaani added.

He noted that developments that are moving forward “come in this context,” referring to Iran’s improving relations with a number of countries in the region, including Saudi Arabia.

Kanaani also blamed what he called the “ill-considered and wrong actions” of the United States for “insecurity and instability in the region for decades.”

“It is in the interest of this country to abandon its wrong, interventionist and irresponsible approaches to the issues of the countries of the region,” he emphasized.

Last week, the Iranian army announced that it had obtained dozens of combat and reconnaissance drones. Mahmoud Mousavi, Deputy Chief of Army Operations, said that his forces were now able to plan to carry out drone attacks against distant targets.



Britain, India Sign Free Trade Pact during Modi Visit

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India pose for a photo  - Reuters
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India pose for a photo - Reuters
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Britain, India Sign Free Trade Pact during Modi Visit

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India pose for a photo  - Reuters
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India pose for a photo - Reuters

Britain and India signed a free trade agreement on Thursday during a visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sealing a deal to cut tariffs on goods from textiles to whisky and cars and allow more market access for businesses.

Talks on the trade pact were concluded in May after three years of stop-start negotiations, with both sides hastening efforts to clinch a deal in the shadow of tariff turmoil unleashed by US President Donald Trump, Reuters reported.

The agreement between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies aims to increase bilateral trade by a further 25.5 billion pounds ($34 billion) by 2040.

It is Britain's biggest trade deal since it left the European Union in 2020 but its impact will be a fraction of the effect of leaving the orbit of its closest trading partner.

It is India's biggest strategic partnership with an advanced economy, and it could provide a template for a long-mooted deal with the EU and for talks with other regions.

Both sides hailed as historic a deal which will take effect following a ratification process, likely within a year, after which firms such as whisky distiller Diageo and carmakers including BMW, Nissan, Aston Martin and Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover could benefit from lower duties.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said there would be huge benefits for both countries, making trade cheaper, quicker and easier.

"We've entered a new global era, and that is one that requires us to step up, not to stand aside... by building deeper partnerships and alliances," Starmer said in a statement next to Modi at his Chequers country residence.

Modi called the agreement "a blueprint for our shared prosperity," highlighting how Indian goods from textiles to jewelry and seafood would secure better market access.

The countries also agreed a partnership covering areas such as defence and climate, and aim to strengthen co-operation on tackling crime. Modi spent nearly three hours with Starmer before going to meet King Charles at his Sandringham Estate.

WHISKY AND CARS

Under the trade agreement, tariffs on Scotch whisky will drop to 75% from 150% immediately, and slide to 40% over the next decade. Tariffs on drinks such as brandy and rum will be cut to 110% initially and end up at 75%.

On cars, India will cut duties to 10% within five years from current levels of up to 110% under a quota system that will be gradually liberalised.

In return, Indian manufacturers will gain access to the British market for electric and hybrid vehicles, also under a quota system.

Under the deal, 99% of Indian exports to Britain will benefit from zero duties, including textiles, and Britain will have reductions on 90% of its tariff lines, with the average tariff UK firms face dropping to 3% from 15%.

But the projected boost to British economic output, of 4.8 billion pounds a year by 2040, is small compared to Britain's gross domestic product of 2.6 trillion pounds in 2024.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast that UK exports and imports will be about 15% lower in the long run than if Britain had stayed in the EU.

Britain's Labour government, in power for a year, has launched a reset of ties with the EU to smooth trade friction and won some tariff relief from the United States.

"In an era of rising protectionism, today's announcement sends a powerful signal," said Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry.

The Confederation of Indian Industry called it a "strong foundation for deeper market access."

The deal will facilitate easier access for temporary business visitors although visas are not covered. The sides also agreed that workers will no longer have to make social security contributions in both India and Britain while on temporary postings to the other.

British firms will be able to access India's procurement market for projects in sectors such as clean energy, and the trade deal also covers services sectors such as insurance.

India did not manage to secure an exemption from Britain's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism - which could levy higher taxes on polluters from 2027 - as part of the deal.