Concerns that the lifting of sanctions on Iran could result in a surge in Tehran’s defence spending, threatening other countries in the region, have been played down by the former head of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.
Iran is expected to get a windfall of up to $150 billion as a result of sanctions being lifted, in exchange for allowing the International Atomic Energy Agency greater access and information to its nuclear programme.
Tehran has also agreed to reduce its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, while limits have been imposed on Iran’s enrichment capacity and research and development for 15 years.
Gulf countries have eyed the deal with suspicion due to concerns it could free up Iran to upgrade its military capabilities and pursue policies that further destabilise the region, with reports suggesting 23 per cent of the extra revenues could be spent on defence.
US Vice Admiral John Miller admitted that was something the American military would be observing closely, but added he was not “overly concerned”.
“What’s really important to know is that if you look at the amount of (additional) money – and it’s somewhere between $100bn and $150bn, the estimates vary – and then you look at what the GCC spends on military spending, that amount of money – even if they spend all of it on the military – pales in comparison to what the GCC spends,” he explained.
“The Iranians aren’t going to outspend the GCC.”
He also suggested the deal would not result in a significant change in the US Navy operations in the Gulf, but stressed the US would always maintain “a presence that’s adequate to the task of maintaining maritime security and stability”.
“What’s important in the near term is that we understand if there are any changes in terms of how we deal with the Iranians – and we make sure we shape the environment so that, in fact, there aren’t,” he said.
“I think that is really what we are looking for. That we continue to operate and ensure freedom of navigation, people can use the maritime environment for the purposes that it’s intended to be used for and that there is a free flow of commerce.”
Meanwhile, he said while progress was being made on plans for a Gulf missile defence shield, it’s impossible to say when it could be in place.
“It’s a complicated issue, integrated air missile defence, but I think there is progress being made on that and on a number of maritime security issues as well.
“I think both the GCC and the US are comfortable that, in terms of reassuring the GCC, we (the US) are here and we are here to stay.
“We are here to work together closely with them and I think the meeting between the King of Saudi Arabia and the President (Obama) was a positive example of that.”
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