Moscow Believes Arms Embargo Against Iran Needs to Be Lifted to Fight ISIL

UFA (Sputnik) – Moscow believes the arms embargo against Iran needs to be lifted as soon as possible so that Tehran can improve its capabilities in the fight against terrorism in the region, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday.

In 2007, the UN Security Council introduced a ban on arms sales to Iran over fears the country was developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program.

"We are in favor of the arms embargo [against Iran] being lifted as one of the first sanctions limitations," Lavrov said at a press conference on the sidelines of the BRICS/SCO summits in Ufa, Russia.

Lavrov underscored Iran’s support in the fight against the Islamic State jihadist militant group that is gaining force in the region.

"Iran is a direct supporter in the fight against ISIL and removing the weapons embargo would help Iran increase its military capacities in the fight against terrorism," Lavrov added.

In April 2015, Iran and the P5+1 group of countries, including China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany, agreed on a preliminary framework deal to gradually remove all economic sanctions against Tehran in exchange for its pledge to cut back uranium enrichment and the number of centrifuges in the country.

Later in April, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting the ban on the sales of an advanced version of S-300 air defense missile system to Iran.

The United States has expressed concern over Russia’s announcement, arguing the sale would create instability in the Middle East. Moscow, in turn, has stated that lifting the arms embargo imposed against Iran should be the first step in sanctions relief.

The six world powers are currently negotiating with Iran in Vienna to reach the final deal ensuring peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear program.