Iran yesterday accused France of “destabilising” the area by promoting weapons to rival Gulf international locations, three days after Paris signed a multi-billion-dollar contract with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the sale of 80 Rafale fighter jets.
“We should not ignore France’s function in destabilising the area,” Overseas Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh instructed a information convention.
“We anticipated France to be extra accountable. The militarisation of our area is unacceptable and the weapons they promote within the area are the supply of turmoil,” he added.
On Friday, France introduced the signing of a €17 billion ($19.20 billion) contract with the UAE for the sale of 80 Rafale fight plane and 12 Caracal army transport helicopters.
Khatibzadeh stated, “billions of {dollars}’ price of weapons are being bought to Arab international locations” with out sparking world concern whereas Iran’s missile programme is condemned by world powers.
The Iranian official’s remarks got here as UAE Nationwide Safety Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan was on a go to to Tehran in efforts to enhance relations downgraded 5 years in the past.
READ: UAE official says French Rafale planes no substitute for US fighters
