Iran and U.S. fly the friendly skies
The United States is breaking its own sanctions by agreeing to provide spare parts and maintenance work to Iranian airplanes in an unidentified third country. The timing of the policy change, especially because it’s during a U.S.-led push for further sanctions on Iran, is unclear—Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency speculates that it is either to entice ...
The United States is breaking its own sanctions by agreeing to provide spare parts and maintenance work to Iranian airplanes in an unidentified third country. The timing of the policy change, especially because it's during a U.S.-led push for further sanctions on Iran, is unclear—Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency speculates that it is either to entice the Iranians away from their uranium enrichment program or (oddly) to help the struggling Republicans in the upcoming elections. But it may be that the motivation is humanitarian. The airplanes in Iran's fleet are on average 16-years-old and accidents are common, according to the International Herald-Tribune. Thirty people died in a crash in September.
The Iranian government is downplaying the change in U.S. policy. "This sort of activity will not improve the U.S. image in the minds of Iranian people," said Iranian state-run radio in a broadcast following the announcement of the new policy. Mohammad Rahmati, the minister of roads and transportation, characterized the decision as a rational change to an inhumane policy. Looks like the U.S. is giving the carrot (rather than the stick) another try.
The United States is breaking its own sanctions by agreeing to provide spare parts and maintenance work to Iranian airplanes in an unidentified third country. The timing of the policy change, especially because it’s during a U.S.-led push for further sanctions on Iran, is unclear—Iran’s Islamic Republic News Agency speculates that it is either to entice the Iranians away from their uranium enrichment program or (oddly) to help the struggling Republicans in the upcoming elections. But it may be that the motivation is humanitarian. The airplanes in Iran’s fleet are on average 16-years-old and accidents are common, according to the International Herald-Tribune. Thirty people died in a crash in September.
The Iranian government is downplaying the change in U.S. policy. “This sort of activity will not improve the U.S. image in the minds of Iranian people,” said Iranian state-run radio in a broadcast following the announcement of the new policy. Mohammad Rahmati, the minister of roads and transportation, characterized the decision as a rational change to an inhumane policy. Looks like the U.S. is giving the carrot (rather than the stick) another try.
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
