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Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/iran-is-going-on-a-massive-military-shopping-spree-in-russia-2015-8
Iran Is Going on a Massive Military Shopping Spree in Russia
(Business Insider) Michael Rubin - When negotiations on the Joint Plan of Action began, the Iranian economy had just shrunk 5.4%. With upwards of $100 billion in new investment now due in Tehran, Iranian authorities are starting their shopping spree, with a heavy emphasis on the military. When the EU flooded Iran with hard currency between 2000 and 2005 (during which time the price of oil also increased sharply), Iran invested the bulk of its windfall in military and covert nuclear programs. Consider the latest headlines from the Iranian and Russian press: "Tehran in Talks with Moscow to Purchase Sukhoi Superjet 100." "Iran, Russia Reach Initial Agreement on Joint Helicopter Manufacturing." "Russia to Sell to Iran Modernized S-300 Missile Systems." Given a choice between guns and butter, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will always choose guns. The writer is a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute.