Iran Denies Reports Of Missile Purchase

Iran’s foreign minister denied on Saturday a U.S. newspaper report that China had sold his country missile technology and tons of chemical weapons components.

“These are baseless accusations,” Ali Akbar Velayati said at a news conference.

The Washington Times on Thursday cited CIA reports saying China sold Iran missile technology, radar components and nearly 400 tons of chemicals used in making nerve agents and riot-control gas.

The alleged sales are the latest in a series of suspect Chinese transfers of nuclear and sophisticated weapons technology to Iran. All have become points of contention in U.S.-Chinese relations.