Obama Vetoes House Bill Preventing Aircraft Sale to Iran

Washington, 16 Safar 1438/16 November 2016 (MINA) – The White House late on Monday vetoed a House of Representatives bill that would prevent the US from approving the sale of commercial aircraft to Iran under the nuclear deal, Kuna news agency reported.

The bill would “undermine” the ability of the United States to meet its commitments under the deal, dubbed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), read a statement by the White House.

The White House said U.S. partners would view the bill, if implemented, as a violation of the nuclear agreement.

The United States plus Britain, Russia, France, China and Germany agreed to lift sanctions if Iran would curtail its nuclear program.

The deals by Airbus and Boeing to sell or lease over 200 jets to IranAir would help modernize and expand the country’s elderly fleet, held together by smuggled or improvised parts after years of sanctions.

Some members of Congress have raised concerns that killing the sale could cost jobs.

But opponents argue that the passenger aircraft could be used for military purposes such as transporting fighters to battle U.S. troops or allies in Syria. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)