U.S. Navy Intel: Iran Likely to Buy Subs, Warships When Arms Ban Expires in 2020

The Times of Israel reports: Iran is likely to capitalize on the expiration of an international arms embargo in 2020 to purchase new warships, submarines and cruise missiles, according to a new assessment by the US Office of Naval Intelligence.

The February report noted that, with restrictions on conventional arms sales under the 2015 nuclear deal ending in 2020, Tehran will be able “to pursue foreign acquisitions that have been inaccessible since sanctions were imposed on Iran’s nuclear program.”

The report said Iran sees its naval forces as critical to warding off threats, and its defense strategy is thus highly focused on the development of its navy.

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