The Pentagon has stopped selling spare parts from its retired
fleet of F-14 fighter jets, worrying the parts could eventually go
to Iran, CBS News reported Wednesday.
The move came as some US politicians raised concerns over the
security gaps in surplus sales which they say may give Iran and
others access to sensitive US military equipment, according to the
report.
Iran is the only country still flying the F-14.
Defense Logistics Agency spokesman Jack Hooper was quoted as
saying that the agency had ordered the freeze last Friday pending a
comprehensive review by government to determine what should be done
with them.
The Pentagon's decision was made at a time when Teheran's
alleged involvement with insurgents and sectarian fighting in Iraq
have gained momentum.
Critics of the jet parts sales have concerned that such sales
may eventually arm countries like Iran with critical military
equipment that can be used against US interests.
The Pentagon last year halted the sales of some components
considered unique to the F-14, but it at the time allowed sales of
60 percent of roughly 76,000 other parts considering them general
aircraft hardware.
The Pentagon's latest move will also halt those sales.
(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2007)
