Iran Denies Deploying Chemical Weapons

Iran rejected Thursday assertions by the United States that it has deployed chemical weapons at the mouth of the Persian Gulf but added that it would take “any measure” to build its defense readiness.

In a statement underlining the long recriminations between Tehran and Washington, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Morteza Sarmadi accused Defense Secretary William J. Perry of “acting like a middleman for weapons manufacturing cartels” and creating a climate of fear and instability.

Perry, who is on a tour of the region, announced on Wednesday that Iran has positioned chemical weapons near the Strait of Hormuz.

The defense secretary said he could not discuss the type of chemical weapons Iran has deployed or their delivery system.

After the country’s recent military buildup on the islands of Tumb, Abu Musa and Sirri, the latest move added to fears that Tehran could cut off shipping in the strategic waterway.

“The American defense secretary’s claim that Iran has placed chemical weapons in the Persian Gulf is utterly false,” said Sarmadi, who was quoted Thursday by Iranian radio.