Iran's Navy to Benefit From an Expiring UN Ban, U.S. Study Says

"Iran is likely to go on an international shopping spree for surface warships, submarines and anti-ship missiles after the expiration in 2020 of a United Nations resolution prohibiting it from acquiring sophisticated weapons, according to the U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence.

The expiration 'will allow Iran to pursue foreign acquisitions that have been inaccessible since sanctions were imposed,' according to a new assessment of Iran's naval forces, strategy and capability obtained by Bloomberg News...

The ban on conventional weapons will be lifted as part of the international deal reached in July 2015 between the U.S., five allies and Iran to curtail its nuclear program in return for easing international sanctions. The Navy report is likely to be cited by those who agree with President Donald Trump's past description of the nuclear accord as 'the worst deal ever negotiated.'...

The report described the main components of Iran's defense strategy as 'ballistic missiles, naval forces, and proxies in the region.' It said 'each of these potentially provides the means to target Iran's regional neighbors, or military forces based or operating in the region.'..."