Summary
Iran has signed a deal to sell Iraq arms and ammunition worth $195 million, according to documents seen by Reuters – a move that would break a U.N. embargo on weapons sales by Tehran.
Some in Washington are nervous about providing sensitive U.S. military equipment to a country they worry is becoming too close to Iran.
The Iranian government denied any knowledge of a deal to sell arms to Iraq. It would be the first official arms deal between Shiite Iran and Iraq's Shiite-led government and highlight the growing bond between them in the two years since the departure of U.S. troops from Iraq.
The growing friendship between the two countries is discomfiting for the United States, which has accused Iran of having shipped arms to the Syrian government through Iraq.
Many Iraqis accuse Iran of funding Iraqi Shiite militias who have seen a resurgence in the last two years, as Iraq's security has deteriorated.
A senior Iraq army officer said Iran was the best source for quick shipments as some of the arms used by the Iraqi army are similar to those manufactured by Tehran, including assault weapons, mortar bombs, artillery and tank ammunition.
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