Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

2001
Alexander Matveyenko, director of the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI), says the last six, out of a total of 29, Iranian students completed their studies in engineering and rocket science. MAI stopped admitting Iranian students after the United States imposed sanctions against the institute.
—Michael Dobbs, "Collapse of Soviet Union Proved boon to Iranian Missile Program," Washington Post, 13 January 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

January-September 2001
Iran begins serial production of the Shahab-3, which is based on the Nodong. Production reportedly includes "subsystems as well as assembly of the entire missile." According to Israeli and U.S. sources, Iran has the capacity to produce 20 Shahab-3 missiles per year, but continues to have problems in engine development despite "extensive Russian and North Korean assistance." According to Jane's Defence Weekly, Iran acquired 20 Nodong engines in 1999.
—Andrew Koch and Steve Rodan, "Iran Begins Serial Production of Shehab 3," Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol. 36, No. 15, 10 October 2001.

4 January 2001
Jacques Monsieur, the arms dealer responsible for selling U.S.-made Belgian missiles to Iran, is in custody in Iran for being a double agent between the Iranians and the Chechens. He is responsible for selling weapons made by the Iranian state-owned company Modelex to Congo-Brazzaville and Angola (UNITA).
—"Jacques Monsieur (France/Iran/Congo-B)" La Lettre du Continent (Paris), 4 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS translation]

8 January 2001
Yevgeniy Zvedre, a senior official of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Security and Disarmament Department, says that the situation with the so-called missile cooperation between Russia and Iran is "being fanned up artificially."
—"Official: Russian-Iran Missile Cooperation Issue Artificially Created," Itar-Tass (Moscow), 8 January 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010108000055, 8 January 2001.

15 January 2001
Philip Reeker, spokesman of the U.S. State Department, says, "We are particularly confused by the articles published in the Russian press about the discussions of Igor Sergueiv [Russian Defense Minister] with the Iranians. [These articles] suggest that Russia is ready to sell missiles to Iran."
—"Iranian President Visit to Russia," Agence France Presse, 15 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS translation]

22 January 2001
Russia is ready to sell S-300 air defense missiles to Iran. This heightens regional concerns about Tehran's desire to improve its missile technology and programs, including the Shahab-3 and -4 missile programs. According to regional intelligence sources, the S-300 systems have already been brought to Iran so that they can assess the capability of the missiles. The sale consists of missiles, launchers, and mobile radars and cost about $250 million. The system that Iran is buying is the same S-300 PMU-01 version that Russia has sold Cyprus. More than 100 Iranians will be trained on S-300s in Russia over the next six months. More than 300 Iranian military officers and technicians will receive training in Russia in several other fields. According to intelligence sources, half of them will receive long-range missile technology training, while about another 30 will take courses on nuclear programs. Iran has asked Russia to sell them the Kamov Ka-50 attack helicopters, submarines, and launchers for the Shahab-3 missiles.
—Metehan Demir, "Russia is Poised to Sell S-300 Air Defense Missiles," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 22 January 2001, p. 19.

29 January 2001
Moscow's Segodnya reports that Iran had shown an interest in the 2-ton armored reconnaissance vehicle (BRDM) that was designed by the Belarusian Minotor-Servis Closed Joint-Stock Company. Along with its stealth-technology material, the BRDM comes with Strela anti-aircraft missiles.
—"Kharazi Due in Minsk," Info-Prod Research (Middle East) Ltd., 29 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

February 2001
North Korea and Iran "modernize Chinese C-802 cruise missiles with a range of 120km."
—Baku MPA, 9 January 2002, in "Iranian Envoy in Azerbaijan Denies Tehran Has Nuclear Weapons," FBIS Document ID CEP20020109000141.

February 2001
The Central Intelligence Agency identifies Russia as a supplier of ballistic missile technology to Iran. Russia strongly denies the accusation, although officials at some Russian research institutes have acknowledged teaching Iranians in the areas the United States considers sensitive. Officially, Iran remains on a list of rogue nations that American experts believe could threaten the Middle East with nuclear or chemical weapons and ballistic missiles within a few years. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ily Klebanov tells the Russian news service Interfax that Iran hopes to buy one of Russia's most advanced air defense systems, the S-300 anti-missile complex, which is said to track and destroy as many as six low-flying cruise missiles or aircraft at a time.
—Michael Wines, "Putin to Sell Arms and Nuclear Help to Iran," New York Times, 13 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 February 2001
Brig. Gen Shamseddin Zafari says that the Department of the Army's ground forces has completed designing and manufacturing a model vehicle for military missions and carrying commandos. He adds that the self-sufficiency department of the ground forces is also working on designing two other vehicles for installing light-missile launchers as well as anti-aircraft guns.
—"Regular ground force manufactures model military vehicle," British Broadcasting Corporation, 6 February 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

5 February 2001
The Qoqnos (Phoenix) anti-armor missile site is commissioned. The missile site was built by the defense ministry's electronic industries in order to launch a variety of Tufan missiles and has the capacity to store eight Tufan missiles. The missile site is equipped with a laser distance measurer, night sight, links with control towers, a siren system for announcing the location's status, a sonic system for psychological warfare, an internal communications system, and it can move by starlight without any artificial lighting.
—"Iran: New anti-armor missile system commissioned," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran Radio 1 (Tehran), 5 February 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010205000049, 5 February 2001.

5 February 2001
Second Brigadier General Olfati, head of the self-sufficiency Jihad of the Armed Forces, says, "the Islamic Republic of Iran is implementing 100 armored, missile and naval vessel projects. Taking into account the 400 projects already implemented, it has taken a significant step towards self-sufficiency and foreign currency saving." He adds, "Gaining modern technology, electronic warfare equipment, the manufacture of laser, optical and radar guided missiles,...are among the achievements of the self-sufficiency Jihad of the Armed Forces of the Islamic republic of Iran."
—"Head of Iran's Armed Forces Self-sufficiency Jihad on manufacturing projects," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran Radio 1, 5 February 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010205000086, 5 February 2001.

6 February 2001
Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Iran's Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics, says on Iranian television, "domestic production of the equipment required by the armed forces, based on the Imam's self-reliant spirit, became an institutional fact in the armed forces." As part of self-sufficiency efforts, two "major projects" will be launched during the Ten Days of Dawn, marking the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The projects are the Iran-140 aircraft and the other is to mount missiles on naval vessels for operations in the Persian Gulf.
—"Defence minister on post-revolution achievements, defence policy," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 8 February 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 February 2001
Iran commissions a locally built anti-tank missile launcher equipped with advanced electronics. This launcher, dubbed Qoqnos (Phoenix), is equipped with laser- and night-vision devices and can launch eight Iranian-made Tufan missiles.
—"Iran Commissions anti-tank missile Launcher," Reuters via Gulf-News (Dubai), 6 February 2001, <http://www.gulf-news.com>.

8 February 2001
George Tenet, the director of the CIA, tells the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that Iran had imported "substantial" amounts of Russian missile technology and will most likely continue do so and would be able to "become self-sufficient in production."
—"Military Achievements On 'Ten-Day Dawn'," IPR Strategic Business Information Database, 12 February 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

15 February 2001
Mehdi Safari, Iranian Ambassador to Russia, comments on the U.S. position regarding Russia's suspension of military technical contacts with Iran, and says that Iran will continue its efforts to strengthen its cooperation with Russia regardless of the influence of other countries.
—Nikolai Terekhov, "Diplomat Says Iran To continue Cooperation with Russia," Itar-Tass (Moscow), 15 February 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010215000456, 15 February 2001.

17 February 2001
The Shahid Sattari Air Force University, established in 1988, has six departments and takes 500 students every year in 13 different courses. Courses are carried out under the supervision of foreign advisors in engineering and technical fields. The country's military experts and scientists say that instruction on aerospace, missiles, lasers, wind tunnels, F-14 prototypes, and advanced workshops have made this university unique in the Middle East. Brigadier General Shuqi, head of the university, says that "the senior experts of the university have had an important role in the design and construction of Saeqeh (Lightening) aircraft."
—"Iran: Radio carries report from Air Force University," Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran Network 1 (Tehran), 17 February 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010217000034, 17 February 2001.

20 February 2001
The minister of defense and armed forces logistics states that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not seek to obtain any surface-to-surface missiles more powerful than the Shahab-3. Admiral Shamkhani also stresses the necessity for strengthening Iran's defensive capabilities in the face of foreign threats. He also says, "We should solve the issue because we believe that the balance of power in the region should not be tilted."
—"Defense Minister says Iran not seeking to obtain more powerful missile than Shahab 3," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran Radio 1 (Tehran), 20 February 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010220000078, 20 February 2001; "Shamkhani stresses need to strengthen Iran's defense capabilities," IRNA (Tehran), 20 February 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010220000066, 20 February 2001.

22 February 2001
Mehdi Safari, the Iranian Ambassador to Moscow, says that Russia could make $7 billion over the next years through its military cooperation with Iran.
—"IRANIAN WMD AND ACM DEVELOPMENTS CONTINUE," IPR Strategic Business Information Database, 7 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

23 February 2001
Mikhail Fradkov, the first deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, says that Russia plans to continue military and technical cooperation with Iran. Russia takes into consideration its own interests within the framework of international agreements. He says "Russia is interested in continuing the military and technical cooperation with Iran in the area of conventional weapons. We do not violate any international obligations related to proliferation of mass destruction weapons, missiles, and missile technologies, including those falling under the export control."
—"Russia to continue military-and-technical cooperation with Iran – official," RIA (Moscow), 23 February 2001; in "Official: Russia to continue military, technical cooperation with Iran," FBIS Document CEP20010223000184, 23 February 2001.

2 March 2001
An Iranian delegation visiting Russia was supposed to visit Izhevsk, Udmurtian Autonomous Republic, in order to discuss "the purchase of Tor-M1 air-defense missile system supplies....The Tor-M1 can process data on 48 targets, automatically define the shooting order, and fire at two targets simultaneously. It can eliminate ballistic missile warheads at the final stage of their trajectory."
—"IRANIAN WMD AND ACM DEVELOPMENTS CONTINUE," IPR Strategic Business Information Database, 7 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

5 March 2001
There are four fallacies in a news dispatch printed on the Internet site of the "Iran Press Service." The story reads, "Ayatollah Ali Akbar Rafsanjani has been removed from his responsibility as the highest authority in charge of Iran's highly secret missile research and production programs, according to well-informed sources." First, Akbar Rafsanjani has never been in charge of a missile program in Iran. Second, his son Mohsen Hashemi was formerly in charge of Iran's missile program when he returned from Belgium about 15 years ago. Furthermore, the leader of the Islamic Revolution does not appoint the official in charge of the missile program. And lastly, Iran's missile program is not a secret project, as the results of this project are displayed in every military parade held on special occasions.
—"Crooks, or Mentally Handicapped Individuals?," Tehran Times, 5 March 2001; in "Iran paper says 'four fallacies' in report about 'secret' missile research program," FBIS Document IAP20010304000133, 4 March 2001.

7 March 2001
The CIA releases an "Unclassified Report to Congress on the Acquisition of Technology Relating to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and Advanced Conventional Munitions (ACM)." The report states that Iran is actively acquiring weapons mainly from Russia, but also China, North Korea, and Western Europe. Russian companies and organizations supply Iran with the most ballistic missile parts, technology, and know-how. Chinese and North Korean entities are also cited in the report as suppliers of missile technology to Russia. According to Mikhail Fradkov, the first deputy secretary of the Russian Security Council, Russia is not going against any of the nonproliferation regimes or export controls with regards to their military cooperation with Iran.
—"IRANIAN WMD AND ACM DEVELOPMENTS CONTINUE," IPR Strategic Business Information Database, 7 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 March 2001
Russia is prepared to export T-90S tanks to Iran, experts of the Academy of Military Sciences say. The group tells reporters of Itar-Tass that mutually beneficial military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran does not rule out Russia's initial delivery of several test tanks and later of a larger batch for renewal of Iran's tank stock. Such contracts are not unusual in the world and do not upset the balance of power in the region, the experts say. The T-90 tanks are manufactured at the Uralvagonzavod plant, and the plant's general director Nikolai Malyklh says that the T-90S tanks are a "new generation of Russian tanks that comprise original design and best layout solutions of T-72 and T-80 tanks." The new tanks have missile artillery arms and are able to ford five-meter-wide waterways, three-meter trenches, and one-meter-high anti-tank obstacles. The tanks are capable of withstanding attack by two anti-tank missiles with different guiding systems without losing the capacity to continue combat.
—"Experts Say Russia Ready to Export Tanks to Iran," Itar-Tass (Moscow), 11 March 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010311000116, 11 March 2001.

13 March 2001
Tehran's ambassador to Moscow says his country is willing to spend GBP 4 billion on Russian arms, making it Moscow's biggest weapons customer. At the top of the list is believed to be a custom-made air defense system, including radar and anti-aircraft missiles. Iran is supposedly also hoping to purchase tanks, patrol boats, helicopters, and upgrades to its Mig 29 fighters, plus equipment to allow its fleet of Russian-built Su26 strike planes to carry laser-guided bombs. U.S. pressure may cause Russia to resist Iranian requests for two kinds of anti-shipping missiles, the Yakhon or Moskit. Both missiles have a range farther than 100 miles and are capable of closing the Persian Gulf. Washington is anxious about cooperation in the deployment of an Iranian long-range missile that could hit Israel. Last month the U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld accused Russia of selling missile technology to Washington's enemies.
—Chris Stephen, "Us Anger As Putin Seals Arms Deal With 'Rogue' Iran," Scotsman, 13 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 March 2001
Yuri Koptev, the head of the Russian Aerospace Agency, gives Iran's President Khatami a tour of the Mir Mission Control in Korolyov in order to see Russia's anti-missile missile program. The two countries hope to share the program, with Iran paying for Russia to provide the technology. The first stage will cost $3 billion. While signing other agreements between Presidents Putin and Khatami, a "secret memo was slipped in" that calls for Russia to have an operational missile defense system in Iran within the next three years. This memo is cause for U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to warn Russia and Iran about their military cooperation.
—"Bush Prepares to Flex US Superpower Muscles," DEBKA-Net-Weekly (Jerusalem), 22 March 2001; in "Secret Missile Defense Memo Said to Prompt US Warning to Iran, Russia," FBIS Document GMP20010323000163, 23 March 2001.

14 March 2001
Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announces that military cooperation between Russia and Iran "will develop within the necessary boundaries for guaranteeing Iran's security and defense capabilities."
—Jalal al-Mashitah and Muhammad Nun, "US Pressures Postponed the Signing of Military Agreements; Russia Offers to Sell Iran Surveillance System That Covers Israel," Al-Hayat (London), 15 March 2001, p. 1; in "Russian Duma Aide Cited on Military Deals With Iran, US Pressures," FBIS Document GMP20010315000024, 15 March 2001.

15 March 2001
As Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Ivanov arrives in the United States, Iran's President Khatami flies to Russia. Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov says that Russian and Iranian interests are basically the same. He also states that he is against the purposeful "deliberate and distorted playing up of certain questions of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Iran." He says that the relations between Russia and Iran "are developing dynamically and harmoniously." Sergey Ivanov will need to explain to the United States that these relations are not a threat to the United States.
—Aleksandr Shumilin, "Ivanov Versus Ivanov," Izvestiya (Moscow), 15 March 2001; in "Khatami's Moscow Trip Seen Making Security Council Secretary Ivanov's Job Harder," FBIS Document CEP20010315000107, 15 March 2001.

15 March 2001
Al-Hayat reports learning from sources close to the Russian presidency that Russian arms deals with Iran will include military and civilian satellites, MiG-29 and Sukhoi-30 aircraft, T-52 MR tanks, in addition to building new nuclear reactors in Iran for peaceful purposes. An agreement on military cooperation and the sale of weapons to Tehran is expected in May. An agreement would have been signed during President Mohammad Khatami's current visit to Russia, but U.S. pressures postponed the signing. The first shipment of weapons should be delivered next year. Nikorayev, chairman of the Duma's Defense Committee, will visit Iran to discuss an anti-missile electronic control system that Russia proposes to sell Iran. He says, "The electronic security surveillance system costs between $1 billion and $3 billion and is very important for strengthening security in the Gulf." He points out that this system "covers Iranian and Gulf airspace, part of the Israeli one, in addition to the Caspian Sea, southern Russia, and Turkey's airspace." Radshaf Safarov, adviser to the Duma's Security Committee and member of President Vladimir Putin's advisory board, confirms this to Al-Hayat. Russian military sources report that Tehran might try to acquire "Moskit" anti-ship missiles, which would affect the balance of power if deployed in Hormuz Straits. Safarov says that the United States is against this cooperation. He also says that Russia will sign an agreement by the end of this year or early next year to build new nuclear reactors in Iran to generate energy for peaceful purposes. Vladimir Putin, Russia's president, promises to complete the construction of the Bushehr nuclear reactor by 2003.
—Jalal al-Mashitah and Muhammad Nun, "US Pressures Postponed the Signing of Military Agreements. Russia Offers to Sell Iran Surveillance System That Covers Israel," Al-Hayat (London), 15 March 2001, p. 1; in "Russian Duma Aide Cited on Military Deals With Iran, US Pressures," FBIS Document GMP20010315000024, 15 March 2001.

15 March 2001
Moscow started supplying Tehran with weapons and equipment during the last stages of the Iraqi-Iranian war in the late 1980s. After the war, Iran started to implement a program to rebuild its forces. Russia, along with China and North Korea, was the main source for supplying the project that then-President Hashemi Rafsanjani supervised personally. Iran has since acquired Russian weapons and equipment worth several billion dollars, including T-72 tanks, BMP-2 armored personnel carriers, multipurpose MiG-29 fighter aircraft, Sukhoi-24 attack aircraft, anti-aircraft and anti-missile SAM-5 missiles, Kilo-class hunter submarines, various types of artillery and missile systems, and ammunitions. Russia also provides backing for Iran to develop its offensive missile capabilities. Despite Moscow's denial, U.S. and Israeli defense sources constantly stress what they call Russia's direct contribution to Iran's efforts to develop a ballistic strategic missile, the Shahab-4, with a range between 2,400 and 3,600km (depending on the weight of its warhead that should supposedly weigh between 1,000 and 2,000kg). These sources add that the Shahab-4 is an "Iranian version" of an old Soviet ballistic missile known as "SS-4 Sandal." Iran acquired the design and components through a secret deal between the two sides in the mid-1990s. Development of this version continues in order to start producing and entering it into service between 2003 and 2005. A considerable part of Iran's arsenal at present consists of Russian land, sea, and air combat equipment. The Iranian military industries are at present producing versions of the T-72 tanks and BMP-2 armored carriers as well as several types of artillery and missile systems and light, medium, and heavy ammunitions. Iran seeks to acquire a new generation of Russian weapons and then to produce local versions of them, especially the T-80 main battle tanks, Sukhoi-27 aircraft, long-range anti-aircraft and anti-missile missiles of the S-300 type (SAM-10), and anti-ship SSN-22 missiles.
—"Military Editor," "Khatami's Visit and Putin's Pledges Cement a Strategic Alliance that Both Sides Need," Al-Hayat (London), 15 March 2001, pp. 1, 6; in "Writer Views Iranian-Russian Military Cooperation, Strategic Alliance," FBIS Document GMP20010315000026, 15 March 2001.

16 March 2001
Construction of the Bushehr Power Plant is being carried out in accordance with a plan Russia signed in September 1998, committing itself to finish the project over a 52-month span. In the meantime, Russia plans to sell more than 570 T72-C tanks and more than 1000 armored vehicles to Iran based on a contract signed before Moscow froze arms sales to Iran in a 1995 secret agreement with Washington. It also plans to provide parts and components for Soviet-made MiG-29 and Sukhoi-24MK fighters used by the Iranian military.
—"Iran: President Khatami returns home, comments on successful visit," IRNA (Tehran), 16 March 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010316000002, 16 March 2001.

19 March 2001
S. H. Tabatebaei, Marketing Manager of the Iranian Defense Industries Organization (DIO), says, "we are not exporting missiles as we realize the sensitivity of such deals."
—"Iran Arms Marketing Emphasizes 'Friendly Islamic Countries'," Gulf-News (Dubai), 19 March 2001,
<http://www.gulf-news.com>.

19 March 2001
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, before the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, says that Iran has acquired most of its technology from North Korea for its ballistic missiles that are capable of striking Israel.
—Choe Hong Sŏp, "[Israel] 'Pukhan-Chungdong Missile Connection Magara'," Chugan Chosun (Weekly Chosun), No. 1648, 12 April 2001, <http://weekly.chosun.com>.

19 March 2001
A secret memo outlining a missile defense program between Russia and Iran is cause for U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell to warn Russia and Iran about their military cooperation. [Note: For more information, refer to the entry for 13 March 2001.]
—"Bush Prepares to Flex US Superpower Muscles," DEBKA-Net-Weekly (Jerusalem), 22 March 2001; in "Secret Missile Defense Memo Said to Prompt US Warning to Iran, Russia," FBIS Document GMP20010323000163, 23 March 2001.

20 March 2001
The Ground Forces, Air Force, and Navy in Iran are involved in projects to attain self-sufficiency. Among these is the development and manufacture of missiles and other armor. These projects save Iran money in imports. Army Brigadier Zaafari speaks of the armored personnel carrier Sayyad that is capable of firing its own missiles. The Air Force Research center developed, alongside communications and radar systems, "smart air-based missiles with automatic control." Second Vice Admiral Engineer Mahmud Tahqiqi Bidel says that the Navy Research and Self-Sufficiency Jihad of the Navy would hopefully be able to produce a missile system by next year.
—"Top events in the Army," Saff, No. 250 (Tehran), 20 March 2001, pp. 29-34; in "Iran: Saff carries roundup of army 'top events'," FBIS Document IAP20010407000019, 7 April 2001.

21 March 2001
The Tolu' project—the development of a type of turbine engine that completed part of the needed technology to build cruise missiles—and the design and construction of different unmanned airplanes have been completed successfully in Iran. Iran's aircraft industrial activities began in 1986-1987 with the design and building of Ababil airplanes without passengers.
—Mohammad Vali Sohrabi, "Iran Airplane-140: From Designing in the Imagination to Flying in the Blue Skies," Ettella'at-e Elmi (Tehran), 21 March 2001, pp. 28-31; in "Iran: Article Details New Iran-140 Airplane," FBIS document IAP20010804000058, 21 March 2001.

22 March 2001
After Iran settled on the United Arab Emirate's (UAE) three islands of Abu Musa, Tunb al-Kubra, and Tunb al-Sughra, "UAE military commanders warned that Iran's deployment of missiles near the Hormuz Straits poses a serious threat to UAE positions and to navigation in the Gulf." UAE Air Force Commander Staff Brigadier General Khalid Abdallah al-Buaynayn notes that missile deployment close to the Gulf entrance would affect navigation in the Gulf and UAE's airspace.
—Shafiq al-Asadi and Ibrahim Humaydi, "Kharrazi Rejects the Qatari-Bahraini Example To Resolve the Dispute Over the Islands. The Emirates Warns of Repercussions of Iran's Deployment of Missiles Near Hormuz," Al-Hayat (London), 22 March 2001, p. 2; in "Report Cites UAE Air Force Commander's Warning of Iranian Missiles 'Threat'," FBIS Document GMP20010322000055, 22 March 2001.

22 March 2001
According to Hamid Sarrafian, the head of the Iranian pavilion, Iran is showing off its newest missile technology at Abu Dhabi's "Idex-2001" military exhibition. The following missiles are on exhibit: the "Tufan" (Tornado) and "Raad" (Thunder) missiles, which have infrared guidance systems; the "Nazeat" and "Zelzal" missiles, which have a 125km range; the "Fajr-3" medium-range rockets; "Sayyad-1" and "Shahid Thaqeb" missiles, which are good for air defense systems and a new product of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization; and the "Falaq-2" surface-to-surface missiles.
—"Iran's Missiles on Display at Idex-2001 Military Fair," IRNA (Tehran), 22 March 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010322000002, 22 March 2001.

23 March 2001
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon speaks to President Bush, National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice, and Israeli Ambassador Ivri about Iran's weapons procurement during his visit to the United States. He presents a list of items that came from Iran to Lebanon via Damascus. Sharon lists light weapons, RPG and LAW anti-tank weapons, and Katyusha launchers with a range of 20-30km and 60-70km. Recently there have also been shipments of long-range launchers that could hit central Israel from south Lebanon. According to Sharon, Iran has direct control over the shipments and is keen on controlling the katyushas. He also states that the Hizballah receives training from Iran, and that Iran is actively involved in planning attacks against Israel. An Iranian newspaper claims that Sharon's allegations are merely propaganda without evidence, aimed at diverting attention from "the brutalities committed by the Zionist forces against the oppressed Palestinians."
—Nahum Barnea and Shimon Schiffer, "I Didn't Come To Beg," Yediot Aharonot (Tel Aviv), 23 March 2001, p. 2; in "Israel's Sharon Tells Bush Hizballah Has Long-Range Iranian Katyushas," FBIS Document GMP20010323000086, 23 March 2001; "Propaganda against Iran No Longer Effective," Tehran Times, 24 March 2001; in "Tehran Times says propaganda against Iran no longer effective," FBIS Document IAP20010324000026, 24 March 2001.

25 March 2001
An Israeli paper reports that, contrary to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's remarks during his U.S. visit claiming that Hizballah has received missiles capable of reaching central Israel, the rockets are "only" capable of reaching Haifa's southern periphery, threatening about one-third of Israel's population. The upgraded rockets have a longer range than any others Hizballah has ever had. They were recently shipped from Iran. Sharon referred to these rockets when he told the U.S. media that intelligence reports received in Israel indicate that Iran recently deployed long-range missiles in Lebanon, capable of reaching and hitting targets in central Israel. Hizballah's previous generation of rockets, including the long-range katyushas, threaten a territory stretching from the international border down to Akko's southern periphery. The new rockets' range covers the entire territory of Haifa and reaches all the way to the Karmel seashore and Zikhron Yaaqov.
—Yoav Limor and Gabi Kessler, "Rockets Shipped to Hizballah Can 'Only' Reach Haifa," Maariv (Tel Aviv), 25 March 2001, p. 8; in "Israeli Paper Says Hizballah's New Missiles Not as Long-Range as Believed," FBIS Document GMP20010325000066, 25 March 2001.

26 March 2001
Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization currently develops an improved version of its Sayad-1 surface-to-air missile (SAM), fitting the missile with an infrared homing seeker. The upgraded Sayad-1 is now being tested according to officials from the organization attending the IDEX show. The Sayad missile is based on the Russian SA-2 SAM.
—"Iran Upgrades SAM," Defense News, Vol. 16, No. 12, 26 March 2001.

26 March 2001
At the arms fair in Abu Dhabi, it became clear that the Russians are close to ending a deal with Iran on advanced missiles. Itar-Tass, a Russian news agency, says that Iran would soon close the deal on the Russian Tor-M1, Tor-M1T, and the S-300 surface-to-air missiles. There had been a previous agreement on the S-300PMU-01 missile in December 2000. "The Tor is a self-propelled or trailer-mounted version of the SA-15 Gauntlet, and the S-300PMU-01 is the hard-to-jam, long-range SA-20....The S-300 family includes the SA-10, SA-12, and SA-20 SAMs." They can hit aircraft with up to a 100km range and "some of the slower ballistic missile reentry vehicles." The SA-15 can target "low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft and a range of guided weapons....The Russian radars [in conjunction with the S-300 missile and those associated with it] can spread a signal pulse over a broad bandwidth, vary the waveform and change polarization of the signal." Iranians will be sent to Russia to receive more training in long-range missile technology. Iran is also asking to purchase "Kamov Ka-50 attack helicopters, submarines, and launchers for its Shehab-3 ballistic missiles." Two research and development facilities around Isfahan and Tehran, where scientists work with Russian SS-4 missile technology, are mentioned.
—David A. Fulghum, "Iran Specifies New Weapons Mix," Aviation & Space Technology, 26 March 2001, p. 32.

28 March 2001
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Ilya Klebanov says that Russia plans to sell a missile defense system to Iran. He does not say whether it would be the S-300 or the Tor-M1 system.
—"Russia to sell missile system to Iran," United Press International, 28 March 2001, in Virtual New York, 29 March 2001, <http://www.vny.com>.

29 March 2001
While President Khatami visits President Putin in Russia, the two agree on cooperation in the aircraft industry, terms of finding oil, and building nuclear power plants. Regarding weapons sales, Putin states that Russia will only give Iran "defensive weapons" and that Russia will comply with international agreements. According to media reports, Russia plans "to sell more than 570 T-72 tanks and more than 1,000 armoured vehicles to Iran as well as provide parts and components for Russian-made MiG-29 and Sukhoi-24MK fighters used by the Iranian military."
—"Analysis: Iranian media in March 2001," BBC Monitoring (Caversham), 29 March 2001; in "Analysis: Iranian media in Mar 2001," FBIS Document IAP20010330000044, 30 March 2001.

Late March 2001
North Korea ships various components, including rocket motors and missile airframes, by air to Iran. A U.S. reconnaissance satellite spotted the shipment being loaded onto an Iranian Il-76 transport at Sunan Airport. One U.S. intelligence official is quoted as saying the shipment was intended for Iran's Shahab-3 program.
—Bill Gertz, "North Korea Sends Missile Parts, Technology to Iran," Washington Times, 18 April 2001, <http://www.washingtontimes.com>; "N. Korea Sends New Missile Shipment to Iran," Middle East Newsline, 18 April 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com>.

1 April 2001
Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking about the treaty on military cooperation signed by him and President Khatami, says that "Iran shall not place a claim on weapons outside the framework of international practice and corresponding obligations of Russia, while Russia shall not violate its obligations."
—"Voyeninform Military News Bulletin for April 2001," Voyeninform Military News Agency (Moscow), 1 April 2001; in FBIS Document CEP20010518000278, 18 May 2001.

2 April 2001
The United States accuses Russia of selling "nuclear secrets" to Iran, but doesn't have any proof. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell criticizes Russia for wanting to increase its military and technical ties with Iran, including atomic energy. Attention is drawn to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Bushehr. The USSR and later Russia has been involved since 1989 in the project begun by Germany 25 years ago. The Scientific Research and Design Institute of Electrical Engineering (NIKIET) is one of about 10 Russian institutes and organizations that are being sanctioned by the Americans "for cooperation" with Iran on nuclear and missile technologies. The United States "punished" NIKIET for wanting to build a scientific research nuclear center that would ensure operational service of a nuclear power plant in Bushehr, Iran.
—Yevgeniy Umerenkov, "Why Is the Persian Rug Being Pulled From Under Moscow," Komsomolskaya Pravda (Moscow), 2 April 2001; in "U.S. Allegations of Russian Technology Transfer to Iran Scored," FBIS Document CEP20010402000302, 2 April 2001.

6 April 2001
The Korea Institute of Defense Analysis (KIDA) releases a study in which head researcher Lee Jae-wook points out that "the North has exported missiles to Iran, Iraq, Libya, and Egypt. And the number of missiles sold [from the year 1985 to 2000] are around 540, 490 missiles being Scud-B/C with a range of 300-500km and 50 Nodong missiles." The study provides a price range, saying, "North Korea received US$2-2.5 million for a Scud and $7 million for a Nodong missile."
—"Recent Study by KIDA Shows North Exports 50 Nodong Missiles," Choson Ilbo (Seoul), 6 April 2001; in FBIS Document KPP20010406000110, 6 April 2001.

7 April 2001
Iran and India agree on a mutual strategic pact in which Iran will pay for Indian technology. The agreement is expected to be finalized when India's Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee arrives in Tehran on a 10-day official visit starting on 10 April. India's initiative will produce modern fighter aircraft and missiles using Iran's resources.
—"Iran-India's mutual strategic plans," Nawa-i-Waqt (Rawalpindi), 7 April 2001, p. 10; in "Pakistan's foreign policy failure seen in India-Iran pact: Urdu daily," FBIS Document SAP20010409000076, 9 April 2001.

10 April 2001
Iran and Russia's earlier military contracts totaling $1.6 million are "supplemented with helicopter technology, naval patrol vessels, communications gear, Iskander-E missile systems and TOR-M1 ZRK [surface-to-air missile systems]." Collaboration with Iran in the nuclear field promises great benefits to Russia. Six years ago Russia made an agreement to build the first power unit of the Bushehr AES. Izhorsk Plants OAO (open joint stock company) and Atommash in Volgodonsk are receiving work from this agreement and finishing this project will bring more than $1 billion to the domestic budget.
—Yevgniy Bikalov, "Atomic Alliance," Stringer News Agency (Moscow), 10 April 2001; in "Bikalov analysis of growing military-technical cooperation of Russia and Iran, China, and India," FBIS Document CEP20010409000309, 9 April 2001.

12 April 2001
In regards to the military agreements made between Iran and Russia, participants at the 7th international conference on the nonproliferation of nuclear armaments suggest that Iran might be in the process of building intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
—"Iran and Russia, common interests," Abrar (Tehran), 12 April 2001, p. 12; in "Iranian Paper Views Economic, Other Relations With Russia," FBIS Document IAP20010503000055, 3 May 2001.

12 April 2001
Israel believes that Iran is not capable of producing ballistic missiles, such as the Shahab-3 on its own. The official says he is certain there has been close cooperation in the area of missile development between Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
—Choi Hong Sŏp, "'[Israel] Pukhan-Chungdong Missile Connection Magara'," Chugan Chosun, 12 April 2001, <http://www.weekly.chosun.com>; Chugan Chosun, 12 April 2001, in "ROK Weekly Interviews Israeli Official on DPRK Missile Exports," FBIS Document KPP20010411000117, 10 April 2001.

13 April 2001
Washington regularly expresses concerns about the alleged "leaks" of sensitive Russian technologies to Iran. But the foundations of Iran's military potential were laid down in the period of friendship between the United States and the Shah's regime. Also, practically all previous cases of Russian "violations" of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in relations with Iran were uncovered by the Russian side itself and stopped immediately. One example would be the attempt of an Iranian company to place a dubious order with the Trud NPO (Scientific-Production Association) under the guise of the manufacture of equipment for gas pumping stations. An expert evaluation of the contract by the Federal Currency and Export Control Service showed that specific parts of this equipment "can be used in missile engines (ZhRD [liquid-fueled rocket engines]," and the contract was refused. Another example was the expulsion from Russia of an Iranian citizen engaged in scientific-technical intelligence gathering, as well as the inclusion on Russian "blacklists" of the Iranian Sanam Company, which was observed to have a heightened interest in dual-use technologies.
—Olga Semenova, "Stiff Broom of Changes: Just So the Cumulative Experience of Constructive Russian and U.S. Cooperation Doesn't End Up Under It," Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye, No.13, (Moscow), 13 April 2001, p. 7; in "RF, US Export Control Systems, Nonproliferation Regimes Must Be Improved Jointly," FBIS Document CEP20010413000291, 13 April 2001.

13-27 April 2001
U.S. intelligence reportedly discovers that a North Korean missile shipment to Iran is being delayed because of a dispute over a letter of credit between the two countries. The discovery is reported on 27 April, and is said to have occurred within "the last two weeks."
—Bill Gertz and Rowan Scarborough, "Inside the Ring," Washington Times, 27 April 2001, <http://www.washtimes.com>.

18 April 2001
Iran launches as many as 77 Scud-B missiles at the Iranian opposition Mujahidin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) camps in southern and eastern Iraq, says the group. Tehran acknowledges the attack, but neither confirms nor denies that 77 Scud missiles were used. Iran's representative to the United Nations, Hadi Nejad-Hosseinian, says that the attack targets the opposition group and "should not be interpreted as a measure against Iraq's territorial integrity." He also says that the attack lasted for 3 hours and 15 minutes, from 4:15 to 7:30 in the morning. Iraq sees this as an attack on their sovereignty in violation of international law and "reserves the right to respond with the appropriate means and at the appropriate time." A Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) report says that "Iran was able to deploy 17 Scud launchers at the same time, far higher than previous assessments." Iran is estimated to have between 200 and 300 Scud-B missiles, casting doubt on claims that 77 were fired against the MKO. Given the proximity of the camps to the Iranian border, and the relatively high cost of Scuds, Iran likely used an indigenously produced rocket, such as the Zelzal-1, Nazeat-6, or Nazeat-10.
—"Statement No. 5: Final Count of missiles fired at Mojahedin camps, Iraqi cities stand at 77," People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, 20 April 2001, <http://www.iran-e-azad.org>; "Iran informs UN that measures against MKO were defensive," IRNA (Tehran), 19 April 2001, <http://www.irna.com>; "Iran's 'Massive' Attack on MKO Bases in Relations with Elections," Iran Press Service (Paris), 19 April 2001, <http://www.iran-press-service.com>; "Iran Impresses Neighbors With Missile Capability," Middle East Newsline (Jerusalem), 24 April 2001; Amin Tarzi and Darby Parliament, "Missile Messages: Iran Strikes MKO Bases in Iraq," Nonproliferation Review, Summer 2001, Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

18 April 2001
The Army Aviation research unit is in the process of designing air-to-air missiles and putting them on helicopters. They have been making repairs to the TOW anti-armor missile guidance system in Iran.
—"Explaining army's latest engineering and combat achievements," Resalat (Tehran), 18 April 2001, p. 6; in "Iran: Commander Details Achievements in Manufacturing Military Hardware," FBIS Document IAP20010504000061, 4 May 2001.

26 April 2001
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hamid Reza Asefi, rejects Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's claim that Iran has set up a missile base in Lebanon. Asefi says that Sharon's allegation is a way to cover up Israel's recent aggression against Lebanon.
—"Iran: Foreign Ministry says Sharon claims of Iranian missile base in Lebanon 'pure fabrication'," Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran), 26 April 2001; in FBIS Document IAP20010426000080, 26 April 2001.

4 May 2001
The CIA publishes a report outlining the threats posed to U.S. national security and stating that Iran and Iraq's missile procurement and acquisition of nuclear power will be a threat by the year 2015. Iran proudly presents its military capabilities and states that it makes its own tanks, helicopters, guns, and long-range missiles such as the Shahab-3 that has a 1,300km range and the Shahab-4 that has a 2,000km range. Iran also states that military imports have risen 86% last year and that these imports come from 24 countries. Among the imports are 39 new kinds of weapons. In a display of Iran's weapons capabilities, it fired 66 Scud missiles on Iraqi bases of the Mujahedin opposition group on 18 April. [Note: Please refer to the entry for 18 April 2001 for more information, though the number of missiles reportedly launched varies.] Some information also states that 13 missiles were fired a day later. Iran was able to install 17 launch pads to fire the missiles. Iran's missile reserve is estimated at 200 Scud-B and 150 Scud-C missiles. With the recent missile firings, this estimate is being reevaluated. German intelligence reports state that Iran is acquiring missiles that, besides threatening the region, will be able to reach Europe and Germany by 2015. U.S. intelligence has similar information.
—Riyad Alam-al-Din, "Will War Break Out?," Al-Watan al-Arabi (Paris), 4 May 2001, pp. 18-21; in "Report on US-Iranian 'Deal,' Possibility of 'New' Iran-Iraq War," FBIS Document GMP20010503000175, 3 May 2001.

11 May 2001
Many delegations from Arab countries and organizations like Hamas, Hizbollah, and Islamic Jihad decide to intensify their support for the Palestinian uprising. As part of this support, the Palestinians are to receive training from the Hizbollah, such as how to install Katyusha rockets. The Iranian delegation says it would ensure that the Palestinians receive Sagre, TAW, and Katyusha rockets, the modern ones having a 70km range.
—Riyad Alam-al-Din, "Plans to Remove Arafat, Attack Israel Discussed at Iran-Sponsored Corfu Meeting," Al-Watan al-Arabi (Paris), 11 May 2001, pp. 16-18; in FBIS Document GMP20010510000184, 10 May 2001.

12 May 2001
Reports state that Russia has agreed to sell advanced ship-borne cruise missiles to the Iranian Navy, which will significantly increase Iran's military capability in the Hormuz Strait, leading into the shipping lanes of the Gulf. The sale of Russian Yakhont missiles was hinted at in March when Iranian President Khatami visited Moscow and discussed a deal with President Putin worth a predicted ₤5 billion.
—Michael Evans, "Russia sells missiles to Iran," Times (London), 12 May 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

15 May 2001
The United States believes that Iran's surface-to-surface missiles could be intended for carrying weapons of mass destruction. The reason for U.S. policy to keep Iran from procuring nuclear weapons is because "medium-range surface-to-surface missiles with nuclear warheads would have by far greater strategic impact than use of chemical or microbiological weapons."
—"Iran's nuclear options," Siyasat-e Ruz (Tehran), 15 May 2001, p. 10; in "US pursuing 'double-standard' policy on Iran's nuclear ambitions," FBIS Document IAP20010521000093, 21 May 2001.

18 May 2001
Pakistan is exporting weapons to Iran and other countries made by Wah Factories.
—"Pakistan's prominent success in arms industry," Jasarat (Karachi), 18 May 2001, pp. 8, 7; in "Pakistan Sees Payoff From Last Year's Arms Exposition," FBIS Document SAP20010520000037, 20 May 2001.

18 May 2001
A report in the British paper the Times states that Russia has decided to give Iran the Yakhont anti-ship missile. This was discussed while President Khatami was visiting Russia.
—"News of the OPK (Defense-Industrial Complex) and VTS (Military-Technical Cooperation)," Nezavisimoye Voyennoye Obozreniye No.17 (Moscow), 18 May 2001; in "Russia: Defense Industrial Complex News Briefs," FBIS Document CEP20010518000398, 18 May 2001.

18 May 2001
The head of the German Intelligence Services declares that Iran is developing a ballistic missile able to hit Germany. These weapons will be deployed by 2015.
—"Iraq and Libya are developing new weapons," Assabah (Rabat), 23 April 2001, <http://www.assabah.press.ma>.

26 May 2001
Reports state that Iran is self-sufficient in making its short-range Scuds. The Shahab-3, with a 1,200km range, is capable of striking Israel. Iran is supposedly also working on a Shahab-4 and perhaps even on a Shahab-5, which may be an intercontinental missile.
—"Iran's Weapons-A Bigger Punch," The Economist, 26 May 2001, p. 28.

28 May 2001
The Russian arms exporter Rosoboroneksport and Iranian military officials will meet at the end of May to discuss arms sales to Iran. Arms and spare parts, especially for the Tor-M1 and a close-range anti-aircraft missile system, are items under discussion.
—"Russia to discuss selling air-defense missile system to Iran," Itar-Tass (Moscow), 28 May 2001; in FBIS, Document CEP20010528000022, 28 May 2001.

31 May 2001
Iran says that it has tested a solid-fueled, surface-to-surface missile Fateh-110. Iran claims that the missile was completely designed by Iranian experts and is part of the self-sufficiency weapon program. The missile is said to be the most effective Iranian-made missile and is able to be guided towards its targets with high precision.
—"Iran successfully test-fires domestic solid-fuelled missile," IRNA (Tehran) 31 May 2001, <http://www.irna.com>.

31 May 2001
Iran carries out a successful test of its solid-fueled Fateh (Victorious)-110 missile. The missile was launched from a simple launcher and uses "'composite solid' fuel." "The Fateh 110 appeared far smaller—about twice the height of a standard army truck." Experts involved in Iran's military self-sufficiency program made the missile. This surface-to-surface guided missile is viewed to be among the more efficient weapons in Iran's armed forces. Andrew Brooks, defense analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, says that the Fateh-110 looks as though it could be a self-made form of a Chinese missile. He also states that it could be part of Iran's strive to make shore-to-ship missiles. Iran has made other advances in the defense industry and was able to manufacture new military transportation, as well as a guided-missile warship.
—"Iran successfully test-fires domestic solid-fuelled missile," IRNA, 31 May 2001, <http://www.irna.com/>; "Iran test-fires new home-made guided missile," Gulf News, 1 June 2001, <http://www.gulfnews.com>.

31 May 2001
The Fateh-110 that Iran tested was developed "with the likely assistance from North Korea's technology."
—"White house Expresses Worries over Iran's Missile Plan," JoongAng Ilbo (North Korea Net), 1 June 2001, 6 June 2001, <http://english.joins.com>.

31 May 2001
Official reports state that Iran has tested a "new version of its Shehab-3D-rocket." The rocket will be used as a satellite launch system and only for peaceful purposes. The United States doubts that Iran's missiles are used for satellite launches in to space because the Shahab-3D is a rocket, not just a space launch vehicle. [CNS translation]
—"Rocket-test In Iran Cause for Concern In the USA from Teheran/Washington," 6 June 2001, <http://www.iran-now.de/news-ticker.htm>.

31 May 2001
Iran successfully tests its newly developed "Fateh (Victorious)-110." The Joongang Ilbo reports that the missile was likely developed with North Korean assistance. The missile uses solid fuel, but all of North Korea's ballistic missiles use liquid fuel. If Iran transfers solid-fuel technology to North Korea, it could be used to enhance North Korean missile capability.
—"White House Expresses Worries over Iran's Missile Plan," English Joongang Ilbo, 1 June 2001, <http://english.joins.com/>; Justin Anderson, "Carnegie Analysis: Background on Test of New Iranian Missile," 31 May 2001, <http://www.ceip.org>; "Iran Successfully Test-Fires Domestic Solid-Fuelled Missile," IRNA (Tehran) 31 May 2001, <http://www.irna.com/>; "Iran Successfully Test-Fires Domestic Solid-Fuelled Missile," IRNA, 31 May 2001, <http://www.irna.com/>; "Iran Test-Fires New Home-Made Guided Missile," Gulf News, 1 June 2001, <http://www.gulfnews.com/>; Doug Richardson, "Iran Tests Solid-Propellant Missile," Jane's Defence Weekly, 1 August 2001, p. 17; Jim Matthews, "Iran Claims Successful Test of First Locally Built Missile," Aerospace Daily, Vol. 198, No. 4, 1 June 2001, p. 7.

31 May 2001
The Air and Space Industries Organization of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics successfully tests the Fateh-110 surface-to-surface missile. This missile was built through the continued efforts of Iranian experts. According to the Ministry of Defense, this is a guided missile and, because of the special efforts made on its guidance and targeting mechanisms, it should be put on the top level of the Iranian missile program. [CNS translation]
—"The first Iranian-made 'ultra-modern' surface-to-surface missile with composite solid fuel missile was successfully tested," Keyhan, 2 June 2001,<http://www.neda.net/keyhan>.

1 June 2001
A recent report by the German customs intelligence (Zollkriminalamt) suggests that Iran is only able to manufacture minor missile parts and that it has failed at attempts to reverse-engineer imported Scuds. However, the CIA recently informed Congress that Iran has bought at least four ballistic missile launchers from North Korea, which doubles its launch capability. Libya is another potential partner. Despite vague reports, there have been suggestions that Iran is working with Libya to revive the country's stalled al-Fatah surface-to-surface (SSM) program, and Iran may have purchased Libya's designs for the project. The al-Fatah is a German-designed weapon with a possible range of 950km.
—Dr. Andrew Rathmell with contributions by James Bruce and Harold Hough, "Iran's Weapons of Mass Destruction," Jane's Intelligence Review-Special Report, No. 6, pp. 6, 21, 22.

1 June 2001
Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Husayn Dirioz comments on Iran's test of the Fateh missile. Dirioz says, "Our nation is following the policy against creation and deployment of missiles with mass destruction capability as well as their launching devices. Therefore, we are apprehensive regarding efforts shown by some of our neighboring countries to become armed. With this context, our nation observed the deployment of the 'Fateh' missile by Iran on May 31, 2001, with great sensitivity. Our concerns were brought to Iran's attention in various ways and the missile related developments in Iran are being followed closely." [CNS Translation]
—"Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz's response to a Question," Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 1 June 2001, <http://www.mfa.gov.tr/>.

4 June 2001
The Fateh-110 was developed with help from North Korea and using Russian and Chinese technology. The Fateh-110 is believed to have a range of at least 1500km, and efforts are being made to improve its range and accuracy. It will be armed initially with a conventional or chemical warfare warhead, yet Iran's ability to produce a suitable nuclear bomb in the near future, as soon as next year, must not be underestimated.
—"Iran nears nuclear status- Iraq could become a Western asset again?," Armed Forces Intelligence, 4 June 2001.

4 June 2001
The Fateh-110 that was tested on 31 May could have been a "technology demonstrator." Analysts from the Pentagon believe that the Fateh-110 is a "copy of a Chinese developed Scud missile." They also state that this test is not part of Iran's Shahab-3 missile program.
—"Middle East: Iran Said It Has Conducted...," Aviation Week & Space Technology, 4 June 2001, p. 22.

12 June 2001
Shai Feldman says that Iran is about to receive the advanced S-3000V anti-aircraft missile system from the Russians.
—"Rising Oil Prices Could Threaten Israel's Edge," Middle East Newsline, 12 June 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com>.

15 June 2001
According to a Western intelligence source, the test of the solid-fueled Fateh-110 was a failure despite the claims of the Iranian authorities. It should be noted that the origin of the missile is a subject of contention. Some claim it is a Chinese M-11, while others state that Iran simply gave a new name to the already existing Zelzal.
—"Iran Said to Have Failed in Solid-fuel Missile Test," Middle East Newsline, 15 June 2001, Vol. 3 No. 234, <http://www.menewsline.com/>.

27 June 2001
Several Chinese and North Korean firms supposedly helped Iran in its weapons procurement. The U.S. government is therefore imposing sanctions against them. The Chinese Jiangsu Yongli Chemicals and Technology Import and Export Corp. provided "technical assistance controlled under a multilateral regime" last year, according to Susan Pittman, U.S. State Department spokesperson. The North Korean Changgwang Sinyong Corporation is in violation of the Missile Technology Control Regime for transferring related parts and technology to Iran. The two companies had sanctions imposed on them earlier in 1997 by then-President Bill Clinton.
—"U.S. says Chinese and North Korean firms aid Iran weapons bid," Reuters, in South China Morning Post, 28 June 2001, <http://www.scmp.com>.

9 July 2001
Iranian television announces the death of Colonel Ali Mahmoudi, the most eminent missile expert in Iran, without giving further details about the cause of his death. Ali Mahmoudi's family believes that he was killed by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' intelligence. They claim that Ali was arrested upon his arrival from the United States and was accused of spying for the United States. He was released after the intervention of President Mohammed Khatami and the Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani. Colonel Mahmoudi was a distinguished officer in the Iranian Air Force. He attended many training sessions in the United States, Pakistan, and other European countries as well as holding a degree in physics and missile manufacturing. He worked in the Aerospace Industry Organization of the Defense Industry Organization. Throughout his career, he produced 21 kinds of rockets and missiles. One of his projects was the design and production of copies of the American Sparrow and Sidewinder missile. He also worked on the Zelzal missile project and attended the testing of the Shahab-3 missile last year.
—Ali Nouri Zadeh "The Father of Iranian Missiles Died Before He Achieved His Dream of Making the American Sparrow and Sidewinder Missile," Al Sharq al Awsat (London), 11 July 2001, <http://www.asharqalawsat.com>.

9 July 2001
Iranian Defense Ministry Spokesman Keivan Khosravi denies accusations from a U.S. congressman that Iran is trying to extend the range of its ballistic missiles. According to the Tehran Times, another Iranian government official denied the accusation that Iran is seeking help from Russia and North Korea to do so.
—Maryam Karami, "Defense Ministry: Iran Has No Plan to Increase Range of Missiles," 10 July 2001, in "Tehran Times: Defense Ministry Denies Iran Planning to Increase Range of Missiles," FBIS Document ID IA20010710000053.

August 2001
U.S. government officials and congressional sources say they suspect China has been transferring missile components and technology to Iran, Libya, and Syria though North Korea.
—"N. Korea Serves as Chinese Front for Missiles," Middle East Newsline, Vol. 3, No. 324, 17 August 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com/>.

1 August 2001
Reports indicate that Iran has flight-tested what it claims is an indigenously produced solid-propellant tactical ballistic missile called the Fateh (Victorious)-110. An Iranian state television report described the Fateh-110 as "Iran's most effective [missile] because of its high precision in destroying targets." A Tehran radio broadcast confirmed this report by stating that the missile is "a super-modern surface-to-surface missile; functions with combined solid fuel; is able to cause great damage and finds targets with accuracy. The missile is classified among Iran's most efficient missiles." Other reports suggest that Iran is developing a longer-range variant of the Chinese M-11 "single-stage solid-propellant short-range road-mobile ballistic missile" to be completed by the end of 2001. Work may also be under way on a second design of this missile based on the Chinese M-9 single-stage solid-propellant ballistic missile to be completed by 2003.
—Doug Richardson, "Iran tests solid-propellant missile," Jane's Defence Weekly, 1 August 2001, <http://www.janes.com>.

1 August 2001
An Iranian Aerospace Industries Official tells the London-based newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat that the Military Industry High Commission has reordered priorities of many major missile projects because of domestic and foreign factors. Some countries with strong ties to Iran alerted Tehran that its Zelzal ballistic missile program, which includes the Shahab-3 missile, causes regional and international concerns. Iran has reported successful tests of the Shahab-3. The United States has warned Iran about developing its missiles and required halting its development of the Shahab-4, which has a range of 2400km. Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani decides to postpone the Shahab-4 project for an indefinite period of time and to focus on shorter-range and more accurate missiles such as the Oghab, Nazeat, Fajr, Iran-130, Shahab-2, and Shahab-3, with the support of China and North Korea. According to an Arab diplomat, postponing the Shahab-4 project is also a result of Iran's will "to lower tension, particularly in the Gulf." He adds, "the Iranians are confident and feel that if they wait, they will control the entire Persian Gulf without a fight." The Iranian Defense Ministry has decided to increase the budget of the Aerospace Industry Institution to focus on less costly programs and to meet the needs of the Army, Air Force, and special forces of anti-armor, air-to-surface, and air-to-air missiles. Importing such missiles represents a financial burden and a logistic hindrance to the armed forces. Thanks to eminent experts such as the late Ali Mahmoudi, the Iranian Aerospace Industries manages to produce prototypes of different missiles by upgrading old models of the Raad, Toufan-1, Tondar, and Towsan. The last version of the Towsan missile is a copy of the Russian "Choncors 113." The Raad-1 and Toufan-1 missiles are already in service in the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. The Saeqeh-1 missile underwent changes to improve its guidance system. According to the Iranian Defense Ministry, this missile is very accurate. The Ministry also says that American and Russian technologies are used in its development. The missile looks like the U.S.-made Dragon, but its components are copies of Russian products.
—Ali Nuri Zadeh "Upon Regional and International Pressure, Iran Scales Down the Production of Ballistic Missiles and Focuses on Shorter Range and Better More Accurate Weapons; Iran Announced a Successful Test of Anti-Armor Saeqeh-1 Missile," Al-Sharq al-Awsat (London) 1 August 2001, <http://www.asharqalawsat.com>; Steve Rodan "Iran Changes Direction in Missile Development" Middle East Newsline, 2 August 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com/>.

2 August 2001
Iran has reduced the emphasis on long-range ballistic missile development because of delays in the transfer of components and technology from Russia. Instead, Iran's Defense Ministry will focus on short- and medium-range missile development with Chinese and North Korean assistance. According to this report, the Shihab-3, which is based on the Nodong, has been plagued by engine problems.
—Steve Rodan, "Iran Changes Direction in Missile Development," Middle East Newsline, Vol. 3, No. 302, 2 August 2001, <http://www.menewsline.com/>.

8 August 2001
Chinese President Jiang Zemin tells U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Joseph Biden that China does not want North Korea to have intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and that Beijing would not provide missile technology to Pyongyang. Biden tells reporters on 9 August that he asked Jiang to end missile-related transfers to Pakistan, Iran, Libya, and North Korea. However, Biden says that Jiang was very emphatic when he stressed that China had nothing to so with North Korea's ICMB development.
—"China Vows Not to Help North Korean Missile Program: Senators," Agence France Presse, 9 August 2001; Lee Jong Hwan, "Jiang Zemin 'Puk Missile Kaebal Pandae'," Donga Ilbo, 10 August 2001, p. 5; Kim Chin, "Chungguk Chang JJŏ Min Chusŏk 'Pukhan Missile Kaebal Wŏnch'i'anhta'," Joongang Ilbo, 10 August 2001, p. 8, <http://www.joins.com>.

10 August 2001
Iraq reports that Iranian military agents fired nine rockets in Iraq's Wasit province. An Iraqi military spokesman says that the Iranian agents crossed the border from Iran, fired the rockets, and fled back to Iran.
—"Iraq Reports New Iranian Attacks Near Baghdad," Middle East Newsline, 10 August 2001.

13 August 2001
Expediency Council Chairman and former President Ayatollah Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani describes trilateral cooperation between Moscow, Tehran, and Beijing as "strategic." He states that this three-way cooperation could serve as a counterweight against the West and the United States. This alliance has already resulted in extensive missile proliferation; China and Russia have been significant sources of missile-related assistance to Iran. According to CIA Deputy Director John McLaughlin, "Firms in China over the years have provided missile-related items, raw materials, or other help to several countries of proliferation concern, including Iran, Libya, and North Korea." McLaughlin continues, "Last year, Russian entities continued to supply ballistic missile-related goods and technical know-how to countries like Iran...The transfer of ballistic missile technology to Iran...was substantial and we believe it will permit Iran to further accelerate its missile development programs and to move ever closer toward self-sufficiency in production." McLaughlin describes Iran's own ballistic missile program as "one of the region's largest and most capable...the inventory includes hundreds of short-range missiles capable of hitting most of Iraq as well as targets—including US forces—in the Persian Gulf." He predicts that Iran will field the 1,300km-range Shihab-3 "soon" and that it is expected to be able to reach Israel, most of Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. McLaughlin believes that Tehran is likely to test an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States in the next 10-15 years, and maybe as soon as 2005. McLaughlin also states that "secondary proliferation" is another risk posed by the maturing state-sponsored programs of countries like Iran. Private firms, engineers, and scientists from Russia and China, who take advantage of "weak or unenforceable export controls," contribute to the missile proliferation threat. Moscow and Tehran are expected to sign a military cooperation agreement in early September when Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistic Ali Shamkhani visits Russia.
—Bill Samii, "A Tehran-Moscow-Beijing Axis against the West," RFE/RL Iran Report, Vol. 4, No. 33, 3 September 2001.

15 August 2001
Jane's Defence Weekly reports that the Hadid Armament Industries Group of the Iranian Defense Industries Organization (DIO) is producing a complete 155mm/39-cal towed artillery system. The new howitzer is designated as the HM41 and is understood to be an upgraded version of the U.S. 155mm M114. According to Iranian sources, the 155mm/39-cal HM41 can fire an unassisted projectile to a maximum range of 22,000m and a rocket-assisted projectile to a maximum range of 30,000m.
—Christopher F. Foss, "Tehran is building 155mm towed artillery system," Jane's Defence Weekly, Vol. 36, No. 37, 15 August 2001.

21 August 2001
Deputy CIA Director John E. McLaughlin delivers a speech at the Fourth Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference in Huntsville, Alabama, and addresses the North Korean missile issue. McLaughlin says that North Korea may pose an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) threat to the United States within 15 years, and that the August 1998 failed satellite launch with the Taepodong-1 (Paektusan-1) could have delivered a small biological or chemical warhead to U.S. territory if it had flown an ICBM trajectory. According to McLaughlin, North Korea has transferred the Nodong to Pakistan, and the technology to Iran for its Shahab-3, which is supposedly a "direct descendent of the Nodong." McLaughlin also says that North Korea has received "missile-related items, raw materials, or other help from firms in China," and that Pyongyang is "still selling missile-related equipment, components, materials, and technical expertise to the Middle East, South Asia, and North Africa."
—John E. McLaughlin, "Remarks of the Deputy Director of Central Intelligence John E. McLaughlin at the 4th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference," 21 August 2001, <http://www.cia.gov>.

23 August 2001
Officials from the United States and China meet to discuss suspected exports of Chinese missile technology to countries thought to include Iran and Pakistan. The talks were held under the bilateral "non-proliferation arrangement" agreed upon in 2000 to discuss U.S. concerns about China's "mixed" record under the agreement. China has denied strongly U.S. claims that it has shipped missile parts to Pakistan and thus has violated the agreement.
—"China, U.S. hold talks on missile non-proliferation," Deutche Press-Agentur, 23 August 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 September 2001
An Israeli satellite has photographed what appears to be the excavation site of missile storage bunkers in Fasa, Iran. [Note: Fasa is located approximately 150 miles east of Bushehr.] The operators of the Eros A1 satellite, ImageSat International, assume that based on the size of the excavation, "this is either [for] the storage of large objects such as missiles, or a center for command and control." The images clearly identify "a hexagonal pattern of roads" that seem to be wide enough to accommodate mobile carriers for Iran's Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 ballistic missiles. The Shahab-3 is 15.2 meters long, and the Shahab-4 is expected to be as long as 20 meters. Fasa is not known for other missile activities, but may be the site of the Rudan Nuclear Research Center, believed to be a clandestine uranium hexafluoride conversion facility to help produce weapon-grade uranium.
—Doug Richardson, "Is this Iran's Shahab base?," Jane's Missiles and Rockets, 1 September 2001.

3 September 2001
It is announced that the upcoming talks between Russia and Iran will "center on boosting military cooperation and opening of new possibilities to implement mutually advantageous and long-term projects to update the Iranian armed forces."
—Anatoly Yurkin, "Russian-Iranian military cooperation has good prospects," ITAR-TASS, 3 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 September 2001
Iran's Minister of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics Vice Admiral Ali Shamkhani cancels his trip to Moscow because it would have overlapped with a visit of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to Moscow. Shamkhani claims that he will reschedule his visit for sometime before the next meeting of Caspian leaders, planned for November or December. At his Russian meeting, discussions reportedly will "concern arms...technical and technological cooperation, and part of those discussions will be about the purchase of arms." On 25 August, Chairman of the Committee for Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States (KVTS) Mikhail Dimitriev told the Russian newspaper Izvestia that the forthcoming agreement with Iran on military-technical cooperation will earn Russia between $3.5 billion and $4.5 billion per year.
—"Russians Anticipate Shamkhani Arms Purchases," Info-Prod Research (Middle East) Ltd., 23 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

5 September 2001
A senior Bush administration official says that Russian companies continue to provide Iran with weapons of mass destruction technology. The official claims that this technology could assist Iran in developing chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. Although Russia officially agrees with the United States that there should be limits on providing technology to Iran, Russian authorities do not appear to have "clamped down" on this.
—Barry Schweid, "Russians still provide Iran technology for weapons of mass destruction, U.S. official says," The Associated Press, 5 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 September 2001
China has "largely taken over the Iranian Shehab-4 project." According to intelligence sources, Russian assistance over the last year has been "significantly reduced" following the implementation of missile technology export controls under President Putin. The decline in Russian assistance has apparently resulted in China's return to the program. The greatest help by the Chinese is said to be simulation testing with supercomputers, which has reduced the need for flight-testing. [Note: Many analysts believe the Shahab-4 is a copy or variant of the Paektusan-1. The Iranian reliance upon Russian and Chinese assistance may indicate that the North Korean Paektusan program has also been dependent upon substantial foreign technical assistance.]
—Steve Rodan, "China Comes to the Rescue of Iran's Long-Range Missile Program," World Tribune.com, 6 September 2001, <http://www.worldtribune.com>; Iranian Student News Agency, 7 September 2001, in "Iran: ISNA Says Iran Continues Attempts to Manufacture of [sic] Shehab-4 Missile," FBIS Document ID IAP20010907000019.

6 September 2001
Despite a slowdown in Russian aid, Iran continues to develop its long-range Shahab-4 missile. Reports of a suspension of the missile program are said to be a result of "Iranian disinformation." U.S. sources assert that Russia has provided the technology for the missile's engine and has helped design its fuselage, but also indicate that there has been a significant reduction of the transfer of Russian missile technology under President Vladimir Putin in the last year. The Russian slowdown in technology transfer to Iran has resulted in China's return to the Shahab-4 program. The Chinese have provided Iran with technology for both solid-fueled engines and specially treated metal required for the missile. The Chinese have also helped with simulation testing of the missile through the use of supercomputers. Previous U.S. assessments about the Shahab-4 determined that the missile could be ready by next year. U.S. sources say that the Shahab-4 program is actually the development of two missiles—one with a 2,400km range and another with a 5,500km range. The 5,500km-range missile is sometimes referred to as the Shahab-5. These sources consider the biggest challenge for the program to be the integration of the two missiles. Iranian and EU representatives met on 3 September to discuss strategic issues and trade relations. In this meeting, EU officials complained to Iran that they might be forced to participate in the U.S. missile defense system because of the Shahab-4's apparent ability to strike much of southern Europe.
—Steve Rodan, "Iran Continues Shihab-4 Missile Project," Middle East Newsline, 6 September 2001.

7 September 2001
The Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) confirms that Iran is continuing its attempts to manufacture the Shahab-4 missile. Some sources claim that reports about the delay of the project were because Iranian officials had kept the project quiet. According to a senior Iranian information source, Iran stopped publishing information about the missile due to international pressure, especially from the EU.
—"Agency says Iran has not ceased manufacture of Shahab-4 missile," Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA), <http://www.isna.net>, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 September 2001
Diplomatic sources state that Iran and Syria are preparing high-level visits over the next few weeks, beginning with a visit by Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani to Damascus and a visit by Syrian Defense Minister Mustafa Tlas to Tehran. Sources indicate that Iran and Syria plan to discuss increased military and defense coordination. The two countries have collaborated in several weapons programs in the past, particularly in the development of Scud-C missiles.
—"Iran, Syria Want to Upgrade Strategic Ties," Middle East Newsline, 9 September 2001.

10 September 2001
Sudanese opposition sources allege that Sudan has deployed tactical missiles purchased with oil sales revenues. Sudanese government troops reportedly used these missiles in recent conflicts with the Sudanese People's Liberation Army. The sources did not identify the specific type of missiles, but they claim that the missiles were sold by Iran.
—"Sudan Said to Have Deployed Missiles," Middle East Newsline, 10 September 2001.

10 September 2001
The Bush administration acknowledges that China has resumed considerable aid to Iran's missile development programs. Administration officials state that China has been helping Iran complete a range of missile programs, including the Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 intermediate- and long-range missiles. The administration also confirms that North Korea and Russia continue to be a significant source of aid to Iran's strategic weapons program. According to a CIA report, "During the second half of 2000, entities in Russia, North Korea, and China continued to supply crucial ballistic missile-related equipment, technology and expertise to Iran. Teheran is attempting to develop a domestic capability to produce various types of weapons...and their delivery systems." The report also states, "The expertise and technology gained, along with the commercial channels and contacts established—particularly through the Bushehr nuclear power plant project—could be used to advance Iran's nuclear weapons research and development program."
—"CIA: China Helps Iran's Missile Programs," Middle East Newsline, 10 September 2001.

12 September 2001
Iran's outgoing ambassador to Moscow, Mehdi Safari, denies allegations by the CIA about the transfer of Russian missile manufacturing technology to Iran. Safari claims, "I strongly deny this allegation. No such cooperation has ever existed between Iran and Russia. Ties and cooperation between Iran and Russia do not threaten any country."
—"Iran's outgoing envoy in Moscow denies transfer of missile technology," Iran web site, Tehran, 12 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 September 2001
Iran reportedly launches a missile attack against Iraq. The Baghdad-based Mujahedin-e Khalq claims that Iran fired five missiles toward a base of the opposition group in Jaalaula northeast of Baghdad.
—"Iran Launches Missile Attack on Iraq," Middle East Newsline, 16 September 2001.

24 September 2001
North Korea's ambassador to Iran meets with Iranian Cooperation Minister Ali Sofi to discuss bilateral cooperation. Minister Sofi says an Iranian-North Korean joint economic commission would renew its activities, but he gives no details on the type of cooperation North Korea is seeking.
—"Iran Plans Strategic Upgrade with N. Korea, Russia," Middle East Newsline, 1 October 2001, <http://menewsline.com>; Middle East Newsline, 1 October 2001, in "Iran reportedly Planning Strategic Weapons Upgrade with Russia, N. Korea," FBIS Document ID GMP20011001000106.

27 September 2001
Iran has reportedly provided missiles and Katyushka rockets to Lebanon's Hezbollah (or Party of God), which are deployed along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Iranian Ambassador to Beirut Mohammad Ali Sobhani claims at a news conference that Hezbollah is a resistance group, as opposed to a terrorist organization. He stressed earlier this week while meeting a visiting EU delegation in Iran that "one should not place Hezbollah on the same level as those who have committed such attacks as the ones on the United States."
—"Hezbollah Is Resistant Rather Than Terrorist Group: Iranian Ambassador," Xinhua General News Service, 27 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

Late September 2001
Iranian state television announces that Iran is among the top 20 missile-building countries in the world. Deputy head of Iran's Aerospace Industries Organization Yadgari claims that Iran first produced Tufan series anti-armor missiles, then surface-to-surface missiles, and then anti-ship missiles.
—"Military Stresses Ideology and Production," Info-Prod Research (Middle East) Ltd., 30 October 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1 October 2001
Iran's Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani arrives in Moscow to conduct long-delayed discussions on Russian arms purchases. Iran reportedly seeks Su-25 armored fighter planes, S-300 air-defense missiles with a range of 125m, MiG-29 jets, and an array of sea and ground weapons, including anti-ship missiles. During these talks Russia also may sign a military technical agreement with Iran. Although Russian officials claim that any arms sales to Iran would be defensive and within the boundaries of nonproliferation agreements, those statements have not dispelled U.S. concerns about the weapons sales.
—Michael Wines, "U.S. Watchful As Iran Envoy Seeks Weapons From Russians," New York Times, 2 October 2001, p. A8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 October 2001
Iran and Russia sign a new military agreement that reportedly could lead to $300 million in annual sales of missiles, jets, and other weapons. Russia's NTV television network reports that the total value of Iranian arms purchases from Russia under the agreement could reach $1.5 billion. The United States strongly opposes the agreement, as it considers Iran to be a leading sponsor of terrorism.
—"International News: Iran, Russia Sign Arms Sales Agreement," Facts on File, Inc., 2 October 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Michael Wines, "Russia and Iran Sign Arms Deal; Nuclear Reactors on the Way," New York Times, 3 October 2001, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

5 October 2001
Russian military sources state that the military-technical cooperation between Iran and Russia solidified by Iranian Defense Minister Shamkahni's visit to Moscow is "an important phase in building military cooperation between Russia and Iran." The 10-year agreement reportedly will bring approximately $7 billion in revenue to Russia's federal budget and defense industry. Iran has expressed interest in purchasing Russian anti-ship missiles, new-generation anti-aircraft systems, and high-precision army weaponry. To protect troops and strategic sites, Iran also plans to purchase Iskander-E and Tochka-U army missile systems, mobile anti-aircraft systems, and Kornet-E anti-tank systems. Russia has not concealed its desire to establish closer military-technical cooperation with Tehran because, according to a high-ranking diplomat, "Russia strictly abides by the international commitments and treaties on the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missile technologies, in particular, in its relations with Iran."
—"Russia-Iran cooperation is regional stability factor-experts," ITAR-TASS, 5 October 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

16 October 2001
Israeli and U.S. defense sources report that Iran began serial production of the Shahab-3 missile earlier this year, including the production of missile subsystems and the assembly of entire missiles. Sources state that Iran has the capacity to produce 20 Shahab-3 missiles in a year. North Korean Nodong missile engines, which power the Shahab-3 missile, have assisted Iran's efforts, as sources indicate that Iran has not yet produced an indigenous engine for this missile.
—Steve Rodan, "Iran Begins Serial Production of Shihab-3," Middle East Newsline, 16 October 2001.

18 October 2001
U.S. intelligence officials report that Chinese technicians are working on an advanced air-defense radar system, known as JY-14, near Iran's border with Afghanistan. Iran has been purchasing the JY-14 radar system since the late 1990s, but China reportedly has accelerated the project since the start of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. A Bush administration official asserted that China's military cooperation with Iran could result in U.S. sanctions against China under the 1992 Iran-Iraq Nonproliferation Act, which calls for sanctions on any nation that sells weapons that could be considered destabilizing to Iran or Iraq. The JY-14 system provides long-range surveillance of aircraft and missiles as part of an automated air-defense system. This system can simultaneously track up to 100 targets and can feed the data to missile-interceptor batteries. It can track targets flying as high as 75,000 feet and 186 miles in distance.
—Bill Gertz, "China steps up air-defense work on Iran's border fears," Washington Times, 18 October 2001, p. A3.

20 October 2001
According to Iranian opposition sources, Iranian gunners fire 107mm Katyushka rockets at military bases in southern Iraq. The military bases reportedly are associated with the Mujahedin-e Khalq. The Mujahedin-e Khaq claims that this is the sixth such attack since mid-September.
—"Iran Shells Military Camps in Iraq," Middle East Newsline, 21 October 2001.

22 October 2001
Iranian state television announces that the Armored Research Department of the Defense Industries Organization has designed and manufactured a second generation of armored vehicles. These vehicles are designed to withstand two-stage armor-piercing missiles more effectively.
—"Military Stresses Ideology and Production," Info-Prod Research (Middle East) Ltd., 30 October 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

29 October 2001
Iran and Syria sign an agreement to cooperate in developing radar and satellite facilities. Western intelligence sources say that Syria has pursued satellite reconnaissance technology to improve the accuracy of its Scud-C missiles. Syria and Iran have worked together to produce and develop the Scud-C, which has a range of 550km.
—"Iran, Syria Could Join in Spy Satellite," Middle East Newsline (Jerusalem), 29 October 2001.

31 October 2001
According to Senator Jon Kyl, the top Republican on the Senate subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism and Government Information, China continues to sell ballistic missile technology and advanced cruise missiles to Iran, despite a 2000 pledge to halt such sales to the Middle East. Kyl claims the Chinese assistance is helping facilitate Iran's ability to deploy nuclear tipped missiles. He also says that China has provided nuclear technology, and assistance for Iran's chemical weapons program.
—"Amid Afghan War, China Sells Missiles to M.E.," Middle East Newsline (Jerusalem), 31 October 2001.

31 October 2001
U.S. officials claim that Beijing continues missile sales to the Middle East. U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly have evidence of sales and deliveries to an array of countries, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Libya. China also allegedly is selling nuclear technology to Iran, violating its 1997 pledge to cease deliveries of nuclear material.
—"Amid Afghan War, China Sells Missiles to M.E.," Middle East Newsline, 31 October 2001.

31 October 2001
A high-ranking Russian diplomat, who refuses to be identified, rejects U.S. accusations about leakages of missile technology to Iran. The diplomat states that Russia "is not interested in Teheran possessing mass destruction weapons and their delivery vehicles." He continues, "Russia seeks to develop military cooperation with Iran under its international obligations and in such a way that it would not upset the balance in the region."
—Dmitry Gorokhov and Dina Pyanykh, "Iran, Iraq still 'apple of discord' between Russia and US," ITAR-TASS, 31 October 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 November 2001
Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia would not sell Iran weapons that could threaten Israel, including hand-held missiles similar to the Stinger. Iran and Russia agreed to a $300 million deal for conventional weapons in October 2001. Details of that deal have not been released, but Iran is believed to be seeking advanced missiles and MiG-29 fighter jets.
—Janine Zacharia, "Putin: Russia won't sell Iran weapons that could threaten Israel," Jerusalem Post, 15 November 2001, via Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

December 2001
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Iran started to regularly produce its 1300km-range Shahab-3 ballistic missile sometime in 2001. Iran purchases the missile engines from North Korea, but is able to manufacture the missile components and assemble the final product indigenously. The Shahab-3 is based on North Korea's Nodong missile and also incorporates technology from the former Soviet Union. Intelligence reports have indicated that Iran—like North Korea with its Nodong program—may produce missiles without undergoing extensive testing programs. The Shahab-3 failed in two of three flight-tests.
—"Shahab-3 enters production," Jane's Missiles & Rockets, December 2001, p. 6.

7 December 2001
The Moscow Vremya MN reported that Iran would like to acquire Russian S-300 and Tor-M-1 air defense missile systems, portable anti-aircraft Iglas, and anti-ship missiles. The report also said that a deal could possibly include Russia's Tochka-U and Iskander-E long-range surface-to-surface systems.
—"New Orders Seen Making Iran Russia's No 3 Arms Customer," Vremya MN (Moscow), 7 December 2001, via FBIS, Document CEP20011207000331.

14 December 2001
According to Russian defense industry sources, Iran is negotiating to purchase surface-to-air and sea-to-sea missiles from Russia. Iran is seeking the S-300 strategic air defense system, and the short-range Tor-M-1, as well as the shoulder-launched Igla, in what could amount to a $300 million deal.
—"Iran Seeks Additional Arms Deals with Russia," Middle East Newsline (Jerusalem), 14 December 2001.

19 December 2001
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov said that Moscow is not helping Iran develop missile technology nor to produce other similar weapons. Ivanov also said that Russia's cooperation with Iran's nuclear program "is fully in line with international standards of nonproliferation."
—"Russia: Defense minister denies missile cooperation with Iran," ITAR-TASS (Moscow), 19 December 2001, via FBIS, Document CEP20011219000240.