Iran: Arms and Technology Acquisitions

Publication Date: June 1998

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Military and defense

Type:

Coverage: Iran

Abstract:

The Clinton Administration and Congress are pressing to persuade Iran’s major arms and technology suppliers, primarily Russia and China, to sever their military relations with Iran. The Administration’s need to engage supplier countries on a wide range of issues often has complicated U.S. efforts to end their dealings with Iran, and has led some in Congress to demand that the Administration do more to compel supplier countries to end transfers to Iran. Both the House and the Senate have passed a bill (H.R. 2709), by overwhelming margins, imposing sanctions on foreign entities that contribute to Iran's efforts to develop ballistic missiles. The Clinton Administration has said a veto is likely; it has until June 23 to do so. This report will be updated in response to legislative and policy developments.