Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said on Wednesday that all sanctions on Iranian armaments were set to expire on Oct. 18.
He also expressed his ministry’s readiness to “establish and expand defense and strategic ties with all independent countries..., especially regional neighbors and Muslim nations based on the principle of collective security, mutual respect and consolidation of peace and stability,” Fars Agency reported.
Earlier this week, the commander of the Iranian Army’s Air Defense Force, Alireza Sabahifard, made similar statements, declaring Iran’s readiness for military cooperation with countries in the region.
Press reports last June noted that Tehran had received separate information from the European Union and the three European Troika regarding plans to maintain sanctions on ballistic missiles and drones, some of which expire according to the nuclear agreement’s schedule in October.
The EU decision is based on three factors: Russia’s use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war, the possibility of Iran transferring ballistic missiles to Russia, and Tehran’s violation of the nuclear deal.
The Financial Times, citing informed sources, reported on Aug. 16 that the United States was exerting pressure on Iran to stop selling armed drones to Russia, as part of discussions on a limited understanding.
Last month, Washington and Tehran concluded a prisoner exchange agreement, which includes the release of Iran’s frozen assets in South Korea. Reports stated that there was a broader “unwritten understanding” between the two sides to ease tension, in return for Tehran reducing in uranium production.
Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 percent is now at 121.6 kilos, which is equivalent to the amount required to develop three bombs. According to experts, the stock may decrease if enrichment is raised to about 90 percent.
