The White House said Tuesday that it considers Iran’s deal to purchase an advanced anti-missile rocket system from Russia as “separate and apart” from a U.S.-led agreement to scale back Tehran’s nuclear program.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the military hardware deal announced Monday by Russia isn’t likely to scuttle the framework agreement with Tehran on slowing Iran’s progress toward developing nuclear weapons. He said if the U.S. and other major powers complete a nuclear deal with Iran by the June 30 deadline, the administration will still have “a long list of concerns about their behavior,” including Iran’s support of terrorism.
“All of that is separate from the nuclear agreement,” Mr. Earnest said. “That’s precisely why we’re trying to reach a diplomatic agreement” on the nuclear program.
Russia on Monday gave the green light to a long-stalled $800 million deal to deliver an advanced anti-missile rocket system to Iran, raising sharp criticism from the U.S. Analysts say the system will increase Iran’s ability to defend itself from airstrikes, including a strike on its nuclear facilities from either the U.S. or Israel should international negotiations break down.
The White House also said Tuesday that it is warming to legislation introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, Tennessee Republican, to ensure congressional oversight of the nuclear agreement and consider additional sanctions against Iran.
Mr. Earnest said the president “would be willing to sign the proposed compromise that’s working its way through the committee” if no other substantial changes come up.
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• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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