UK Continues Military Exports to Iran

Middle East Newsline:

Despite concern over Iran's nuclear program, Britain continues to approve the export of military and security equipment to the Islamic republic. Officials said the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair has approved the sale of non-lethal military and security equipment to Iran. They said the exports were approved after Teheran pledged not to use the equipment for the military.

"We don't see our concern over the nuclear program as being connected to other Iranian missions which we have seen as vital," a British official said.

In mid-September, the government approved an export of body armor for Iranian security forces. Officials said the armor would be supplied to Iranian forces along the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan.