Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

1997
"By mid-1997, Iran reportedly possessed approximately 60 ship-launched C-802s." They also "deployed a number of coastal C-802 batteries on Qeshm Island."
—Bates Gill, "Chinese Arms Exports to Iran," MERIA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2, May 1998, 8 June 2001, <http://www.biu.ac.il/Besa/meria/journal/1998/issue2/jv2n2a7.html>.

1997
According to Vladimir Orlov, director of the Russian Political Research Center, Russian intelligence stopped three Iranian attempts to acquire missile technology in 1997. Three foreigners, initially claiming to be Iranian, were caught by Security Services attempting to smuggle 21.7 tons of high-quality steel for use in missiles. The steel was being smuggled through Azerbaijan into Iran. Russian authorities later identified the three people caught (Nurzulayev, Saidov, and Zabarov) as being Tajikistani nationals. The leader of the group was reported to be an Iranian national named Ali Mazidi Mohammedi, who is reported to be currently in Iran. The three were being charged with smuggling and not violations of international missile technology accords because this alloy steel was expected to leave Moscow. However, the Russians have stated that the American information lacked detail and so they were unable to stop the truck leaving Moscow. U.S. officials are reportedly concerned that Azerbaijani officials were able to stop the shipment while the Russians were not. Senator Orin Hatch says, "the Russian government could have done better but, in general, jumped right on the case."
—Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs," Study conducted for the Center for Nonproliferation Studies (Monterey, CA), October 1998, p. 56.

Early 1997
With Hong Kong still under British control, government customs officials raid the offices of Rex International, a local company jointly controlled by the Chinese government and Iran's military-industrial complex. Documents seized are alleged to show that the firm handled a shipment to Iran of high-grade steel pipes, manufactured in China, which were suitable for use in chemical or weapons manufacturing processes. The consignment was sent to a plant in Tehran run by the Defense Industries Organization (DIO), Iran's main weapons procurement agency.
—Con Coughlin, "Hong Kong Used as Conduit For Iran Arms Sales," Sunday Telegraph (London), 14 September 1997, p. 27, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

1997
Iran has an impressive arsenal of ballistic missiles, including possible orders of the Chinese-made M-9 with a range of 280-620km; the Iranian-made Iran-130 with a range of more than 150km; the Oghab with a range of more than 40km; a new surface-to-surface missile (SSM) with a range of more than 125km; HY-2 Silkworm missiles; CSS-8 with a range of 150km; 320km Scud-B with a payload of 1000kg; and 500km Scud-C with a payload of 700-800kg. Iran deploys SA-6 missiles on Abu Musa Island. The commercial availability of the global positioning system (GPS) will increase the precision of the Iranian missiles.
—Paula A. DeSutter, Denial and Jeopardy Deterring Iranian Use of NBC Weapons (Washington, DC: National Defense University Press, 1997), pp. 36, 52, 53.

1997
Iran tries to "fabricate sets of assemblies and parts for a liquid-propellant rocket motor under the guise of equipment for gas pumping [gas-distributing] stations at the Samara Scientific-Technical Complex Imeni Kutznetsov (former Trud NPO [Scientific-Production Association])." Russian Security Service officials stop the process after the contract was signed and the technical documents were drawn up. The Russians also find out that Iran, through Sanam, prepared to hold aerodynamic tests at the Zhukovskiy Central Aero-Hydrodynamics Institute (TsAGI) and wanted a wind tunnel made.
—"Mikhail Kirillin: Several U.S. Firms Engaged in Developing Missile Equipment Have Links with Iranians," Yadernyy Kontrol Dossier in Yadernyy Kontrol (Moscow), March-April 1998, No. 2, Vol. 38, pp. 37-43; in "Iran's Missile Industry, U.S. Missile Development Firms with Iranian Links," FBIS Document FTS19980605000876, 5 June 1998.

1997
China claims that North Korea may have sold the HY-2 missiles to Iran. According to Bates Gill, director of the East Asian Nonproliferation Project at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, North Korea could have sent HY-2s to Iran because it received HY-2s and parts of its technology from China in the 1970s and has made them itself since the early 80s.
—Bates Gill, "Chinese Arms Exports to Iran," MERIA Journal, Vol. 2, No. 2, May 1998, <http://www.biu.ac.il>.

1997
The United States should reduce the economic embargo imposed on Iran and adopt a more focused approach by limiting the ban to weapons of mass destruction, missiles, and dual-use technology. Iran is involved in clandestine efforts to develop long-range missile capabilities. To counter Iran's missile program, the United States should work closely with Iran's suppliers of missiles and missile technology such as North Korea.
—Zbingiew Brzenski, Brebt Scowcroft, and Richard W. Murphy, Differentiated Containment: US Policy Towards Iran and Iraq (New York: Council on Foreign Relations, Inc., 1997), pp. 23-24.

1997
Iran's inventory currently includes the Chinese anti-ship Silkworm missile (HY-2), with a range of 80km, and accompanying mobile launchers. Iran may try to extend the range of this first-generation cruise missile technology and adapt it for indigenous production. There are unconfirmed reports of Iranian interest in and purchase of the Ukrainian Sunburn cruise missile, which has a probable range that is twice that of the Silkworm. Iran has also been developing a family of simple battlefield missiles: the Oghab (40km), Tondar (40km), Nazeat (90km), Shahin-2 (100-130km), Iran-130 (130km), and the Mushak (160km). Iran claims to be developing a missile with a range of up to 200km, most likely a modified version of one of these missiles.
—Chubin Shahram, Eliminating Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Persian Gulf Case (Washington, DC: The Henry L. Stimson Center, March 1997), p. 12.

1997
Iran has at least 250-300 Scud-B missiles and at least 8-15 launchers.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran and Nuclear Weapons (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000), p. 35.

1997
The Iranian Air Defense forces officially declare the SA-5 Gammon surface-to-air missile (SAM) operational.
—"Almaz S-200 Angara (SA-5 'Gammon') low-to high-altitude surface-to-air system," Jane's Land-Based Air Defence 2000-2001, in <http://www.janesonline.com>.

1997
Press reports state that Russia's assistance to Iran includes special steels and alloys, tungsten coated graphite, wind tunnel facilities, gyroscopes and other guidance technology, rocket engine and fuel technology, laser equipment, machine tools, and maintenance manuals.
—Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," in CRS Report for Congress (Washington, DC: 29 July 1998), p. 6.

1997
North Korea resumes low-level deliveries of missile components to Iran.
—Joseph S. Bermudez, Jr., "A History of Ballistic Missile Development in the DPRK," Occasional Paper No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, November 1999, p. 25.

January 1997
Israeli officials tell the United States that Russian institutes and firms provide equipment and technology to Iran's missile programs. The Israelis say that this assistance would help Iran develop medium-range ballistic missiles that could be equipped with chemical warheads, capable of striking throughout the Middle East. U.S. intelligence agencies reportedly confirm the assessment.
—Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," in CRS Report for Congress (Washington, DC: 29 July 1998), p. 3.

27 January 1997-3 February 1997
A Sudanese government official denies that Iran supplied Sudan with "chemical-tipped" missiles and other weapons to aid in the ongoing civil war.
—"Sudan Denies Charges of Iran Arms Shipment," Defense News, 3 February 1997, p. 2.

29 January 1997
Colonel Husayn Iraji, Director of public relations department of the Ideological and Political Organization of the Army, says that a grand exhibition displaying aircraft, ground-to-ground missiles, air defense systems, and other air force activities will be held in the region of Mehrabad.
—"Grand Manoeuvre of Ground Forces in Ten-Day Dawn Celebrations," Tehran Times, 29 January 1997; in "Air Force to Hold Display in Mehrabad," FBIS Document FTS19970129001601, 29 January 1997.

February 1997
Iran and Syria sign agreements for cooperation in communications, electricity, trade, oil, transport, and agriculture. A protocol was also signed for cooperation in research and development in the military industry.
—Michael Evens, "Iran Seeks Syrian Aid to Bypass Spy Curbs," Times (London), 24 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

February 1997
Iran's Sanam College, an institute involved in Iran's missile program, is supposedly established as part of an agreement between the Baltic State Technical University and the Shahid Bagheri Industrial Group.
—Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs," October 1998, p. 33.

February 1997
A $90 million sale of 36 missiles to Iran and three older SA-10 SAM systems, made up of components from Russia, Croatia, and Kazakhstan, falls through.
—Bill Gertz, "Iran Buys Arms from Russia," Washington Times, 16 April 1997, pp. 1, 16.

February 1997
U.S. Vice President Al Gore discusses reports of the Russian export of SS-4 Sandel ballistic missile technology to Iran with Russian Prime Minister Victor Chernomyrdin, who denies that the transfers occurred.
—Bill Gertz, "Russia Disregards Pledge to Curb Iran Missile Output," Washington Times, 22 May 1997, p. A3.

February-March 1997
Negotiations between Iranian intelligence agents and Russian arms brokers are under way. The Russian arms brokers offer to sell S-300 series anti-aircraft missiles at discount prices. Two S-300 systems, either advanced SA-10s or the newer SA-12, and 96 missiles, which were produced this year near Moscow, are offered to Iran for $180 million. Intelligence officials report that Iran appeared to be pursuing the purchase of the SA-10s as well as 500 advanced man-portable Igla (SA-18) anti-aircraft missiles.
—Bill Gertz, "Iran Buys Arms from Russia," Washington Times, 16 April 1997, pp. 1, 16.

1 February 1997
Iran has succeeded in manufacturing a 240mm missile with a range of more than 40km. Parchin Missile Manufacturing Industries, which is part of the defense industries, manufactured the Fajr-3 rocket. Its is 5.2 meters in length, has a flight weight of 408kg, and has a head (kolahak) of 90kg, 45kg of which consists of highly explosive material. It also has three blades (parreh) in its tails that open up after firing. The missile was tested in November 1996 during the 10-day "Victory-7" military exercises.
—"40-K1-Range Missile Reaches Production Stage," Saff (Tehran), No 202, February-March 1997, 1 February 1997, p. 22; in FBIS Document FTS19970615000841, 15 June 1997.

2 February 1997
Haaretz's military affairs analyst, Zeev Schiff, recently disclosed that "secret negotiations" are under way between Moscow and Tehran on the manufacture of S-4 surface-to-surface missiles in Iran. The missile's range is 1,600 miles.
—Jay Bushinsky, "Russia's Role," Jerusalem Post, 2 February 1997, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

4 February 1997
Brigadier General Mohiyedin Abutalebi, Air Force commander at Merhabad, says that the equipment and weapons displayed at the exhibition at Mehrabad Airport demonstrate the combat capability of the IRAF. The Iranian Air Force is ready to defend Iranian air space and interests. He adds that the IRAF is self-sufficient in surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, reconstruction and basic overhaul of fighters, and fabrication of weapons and aircraft parts.
—"Air Force Officer on IRAF Progress in Self-Sufficiency," IRNA (Tehran), 4 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970204001997, 4 February 1997.

6 February 1997
U.S. Vice President Gore warns Russian Premier Chernomyrdin about transferring technology and parts for the SS-4 medium-range ballistic missile to Iran.
—Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," in CRS Report for Congress (Washington, DC: 29 July 1998), p. 6.

9 February 1997
Mohamad Hashemi, an arms dealer, and his two brothers are involved as middlemen in the sale of missiles to Tehran. After learning that his brothers are to be indicted over their role in supplying weapons to Iran in breach of the American embargo, Hashemi leaves America and has been living in London since the mid-1980s. Until 1992, Hashemi reports directly to Britain's secret intelligence service, MI6, on his involvement in military trade with countries including Iran, Germany, and China. He claims that during the 1980s, he was encouraged by MI6 to sell Chinese-made Silkworm missiles to Iran. In a second contract, Hashemi arranged to supply more than £350 million of Silkworm radar-guided missiles from China to Iran.
—Tim Kelsey, "Tory Donor Has Spent Lifetime as Arms Dealer," Sunday Times (London), 9 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Tim Kelsey, "Tory Donor Charged Over Iran Defence Deal," Sunday Times (London), 9 February 1997, in Lexis-Nexis Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

10 February 1997
The Israeli prime minister discusses information about Russian arms developers working in cooperation with Iran towards the production of a ballistic missile with a range of 1,400km. The Israeli Defense News reports that Brigadier General Amos Gilad, head of the Intelligence Branch research division, has presented the same information to the Americans.
—"Russians Said Developing Ballistic Missile With Iran," Channel 2 Television Network (Jerusalem), 10 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970529001231, 29 May 1997.

12 February 1997
U.S. intelligence supports Israeli intelligence claims that Iran received detailed information about the production of the 2,000km-range R-12 (SS-4 Sandel) missile, which is capable of carrying a 1mt nuclear warhead. U.S. intelligence sources state that Iran received detailed instructions on how to construct the missile with finished system components. According to the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, the SS-4 "can carry a 4,400-pound warhead but is so inaccurate, it is only useful for delivering nuclear or biological warheads."
—"U.S. Confirms Russia Warned Over Arms Sales," Executive News Service, 12 February 1997, via Reuters; Denis Zadornov, "Washington Is Again Begrudging Moscow's Dealings With Tehran—Moscow Thinks That It Has Given No Grounds for This," Kommersant-Daily (Moscow), 14 February 1997; in "Smuggling of SS-4 Missile Know-How Viewed As Possible," FBIS Document FTS19970529001171, 29 May 1997; "Reckless Russian Rocket Exports," Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, in <http://www.fas.org>.

12 February 1997
Russia receives a diplomatic warning from the Clinton administration about its alleged assistance with Iran's missile program. Unnamed senior administration officials tell the Times that according to intelligence reports, Russia recently transferred technology to Iran for the Russian SS-4 missile.
—"World in Brief," Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 12 February 1997, p. A14, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

13 February-14 February 1997
The Russian state company "Rosvooruzheniye" denies the Los Angeles Times report that it sold Iran the technology for the production of the SS-4 medium-range missile. The SS-4 (Soviet designation R-12) is a stationary surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range up to 2,000km.
—Vladimir Abarinov, "Rosvooruzheniye Asserts It Has Not Sold Missile Technologies to Iran," Segodnya (Moscow), 15 February 1997; in "Russia Denies SS-4 Technology Sale to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970529001169, 29 May 1997.

14 February 1997
Israeli and U.S. intelligence suspect that Russia transferred know-how of SS-4 missile production to Iran. These missiles supposedly have a range of 2,010km. Quoting an unnamed U.S. official, the Los Angeles Times says that the Russians have transferred details about instructions for the construction of missile delivery systems and that some components of the missile were given to Iran. Many experts, however, believe that the transfer of know-how is due to espionage or smuggling rather than official deliveries, and that many countries like Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan possess such technology.
—Denis Zadornov, "Washington Is Again Begrudging Moscow's Dealings With Tehran. Moscow Thinks That It Has Given No Grounds for This," Kommersant-Daily (Moscow), 14 February 1997; in "Smuggling of SS-4 Missile Know-How Viewed As Possible," FBIS Document FTS19970529001171, 29 May 1997.

26 February 1997
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tells U.S. President Bill Clinton that the ground-to-ground missiles Russia provides to Iran present a threat to Israeli security. Iran could potentially launch missiles to Western Europe, after which they might be able to reach the Atlantic coast of the United States.
—"PM on Iranian Missile Threat to U.S., Har Homa Construction," Qol Yisrael (Jerusalem), 26 February 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970625004069, 25 June 1997.

March 1997
An Iranian precision-guided air-to-surface missile (PGM) appears in this month's Jane's Missiles & Rockets. [Note: For more information on the PGM, refer to the entry for May 1997.]
—"Iran's mystery PGM identified," Jane's Missiles & Rockets, 1 May 1998, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

March 1997
Russia's Grafit State NII (Scientific Research Institute), under the Russian Ministry of Economics, develops graphite-based composites for aircraft and space equipment. In March 1997, Grafit delivered 4,100kg of basalt prepreg to Iran, which is not on any Russian export control lists.
—"U.S. Claims on Iran Arms Projects Refuted," Nezavisimaya Gazeta (Moscow), 27 February 1999; in FBIS Document FTS19990308000140, 27 February 1999.

March 1997
Meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Moscow, Russian President Boris Yeltsin suggests that Israel financially compensate Russia if it agrees not to sell weapons to Iran. Yeltsin admits that Russia was considering a deal to supply Iran with the technological know-how for the SS-4 Sandel SSM.
—"Russia Proposed Alternative to Iran Weapons Deal to Iran," Asian Defence Journal, May 1997.

4 March 1997
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel will press Moscow not to assist Iran with ballistic missile technology because doing so is "inherently endangering the very future of Israel and...endangers the future and interests of Russia." Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz also expresses concern to Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeny Primakov about the transfer, but he believes Primakov's assertion that Moscow did not knowingly allow the transaction.
—Adam Tanner, "Russia Says It Is Not Helping Iran with Missiles," Reuters, 5 March 1997; in Executive News Service, 5 March 1997.

Early April 1997
Israel's Air Force commander says that Iran tested components of a long-range missile with a range of 950 miles, thus capable of hitting Israel. He says that Iran had the assistance of Russian experts. According to Israeli publications, Iranian missile plants exist in Shiraz, Kurambad, Farhin, and Semnan.
—Christopher Walker, "Iran 'Developing Long-Range Missile'," Times (London), 15 April 1997, p. 13; in "Air Force Commander Claims Iran Tested Missile Components," FBIS Document FTS19970415000179, 15 April 1997; Eric Arnett, "Iran Made Rocket Motor Test, Says Israeli General," Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 April 1997, p. 4.

April 1997
A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute states that the Iranian authorities have decided to abandon the quest for a weapon that could reach Israel, and that they would not develop any ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 1,000km.
—Duncan Lennox, "Iran's ballistic missile projects: uncovering the evidence," Jane's Intelligence Review, June 1998, p. 27.

April 1997
In a speech at Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv, Israeli Air Force Chief Major General Eitan Ben Eliahu announces that Iran tested components of a missile capable of striking Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Arens states that Iran tested a rocket engine designed for a 1,500km-range missile. Such a missile requires two stages, with one engine per stage. From a ground-test of one engine, it is possible to estimate the range of the two-stage missile. The longest-range missile known to date in Iran's arsenal is the 500km-range Scud-C.
—Eric Arnett, "Iran Made Rocket Motor Test, Says Israeli General," Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 April 1997, p. 4.

April 1997
The Israelis state that Russian experts were on hand for the engine test, and some sources indicate that Russian assistance to Iran's nuclear program coupled with Iran's missile technology advances may invite a pre-emptive Israeli strike against its nuclear infrastructure. Israeli sources also report that there are missile production facilities at Shiraz, Kuramabad, Farhin, and Semnan.
—Christopher Walker, "Iran Long-Range Missile Threat," Times (London), 15 April 1997, <http://www.the-times.co.uk>.

April 1997
A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) suggests that Iran may have been involved with the Chinese M-18 and DF-25 missile projects. The M-18 program is known as the Tondar-68 in Iran, but according to Chinese sources, the DF-25 program has been cancelled.
—Eric Arnett, "Iran's Missile Ambitions Scaled Down, Says SIPRI," Jane's Defence Weekly, 16 April 1997, p. 16.

April 1997
Germany's Bundesnachtrichtendienst (Federal Intelligence Service, BND), reports that Iran's chemical and missile programs are some of the most advanced in the Middle East. They also report that Iran is building defense factories in Parchin, 40km south of Tehran, with Chinese assistance.
—Heinz Vielain, "BND Says Iran 'Stepped Up' Arms Program Considerably," Welt am Sonntag (Berlin), 27 April 1997, p. 4; in FBIS Document FTS19970428000303, 28 April 1997.

April 1997
Russia continues to provide massive aid to Iran's missile project. Israeli officials say that Tehran is developing a missile with a range of up to 1,500km that can hit any part of Israel. Israeli Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Eitan Ben-Eliyahu says that in the beginning of April, "the Iranians held tests, albeit ground tests so far, with Russians to develop a missile with a range of 1,500km. That can have Iran reach Israel through the use of ballistic missiles." The Israeli officials add that the missile will be able to carry a non-conventional, including nuclear, warhead and that Tehran plans to test-launch it within three years. According to the officials, Russia was invited to help Iran with its ballistic missile after North Korea was apparently unable to supply its Nodong-1 missile. The Nodong-1, with a range of 1,300km, has supposedly been fired once but never reached the stage of deployment. According to Efraim Kam, deputy director of Tel Aviv University's Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, "Iran tried to get Nodong-1, but it never arrived. Maybe it was because of financial difficulties in North Korea. Maybe there were political difficulties with the Americans. This leaves Russia now as the No. 1 supplier to Iran."
—Steve Rodan, "Iran Long-Range Missile Slated for 2000," Jerusalem Post, 15 April 1997, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

6 April 1997
The Iranian Economic Affairs Group Engineer Mahluji announces that Iran has developed the technical knowledge to produce light aluminum. Mahluji says that "Light aluminum has applications in the production of intercontinental missiles, spaceships...because of its high resistance to high temperatures and to magnetic fields."
—"Complex Aluminum Production Technique Achieved," Tehran Times (Iran), 6 April 1997, p. 13; in FBIS Document FTS19970619001591, 19 June 1997.

8 April 1997
U.S. officials say that Iran has tripled the number of missiles on its Gulf coast in the past two years and, by fitting Chinese cruise missiles onto patrol boats, is more capable of shutting down the Gulf shipping lanes that are crucial for the flow of oil to the West. Iran also has big strategic interests. It now buys the bulk of its weapons from Russian arms dealers, which reportedly include sensitive parts for long-range ballistic missiles.
—"Driven by Oil and Spite for U.S., Iran Reaches for Dominance," Christian Science Monitor, 8 April 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

9 April 1997
U.S. officials report that Iran is completing two tunnels to house its Scud ballistic missiles. The site is located at Kuh-e-Padri on Iran's Persian Gulf coast, halfway between Bushehr and Bandar Abbas.
—"U.S.-Israel Talks Extend Missile Development," Jane's Defence Weekly, 9 April 1997, p. 4.

11 April 1997
Chang Chun Ik cites a Washington Post report on this date that says North Korea has exported 150 Nodongs to Iran.
—Chang Chun Ik, Pukhan Haek-Missile Chŏnjaeng (Seoul: Sŏmundang, May 1999), p. 291.

12 April 1997
During a visit to Russia by Ali Akbar Nateq-Nuri, Iran's Majlis Speaker, Moscow says it is prepared to consider selling S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran in order to create an air defense system around the nuclear electrical power station being built in Bushehr.
—Vyacheslav Zalomov, "West Declares Open Season on Iran," Pravda Pyat (Moscow), 12 April 1997; in "Iran Missile Deal Mooted as 'Answer to NATO Expansion'," FBIS Document FTS19970414000563, 14 April 1997.

13 April 1997
Iran and China conclude a $4.5 billion contract for weapons, including missile launchers. China sells 10 Chinese Hegu Class destroyers equipped with C-802 missiles (surface-to-surface missiles with a range of more than 120km) to Iran. Iran also acquires 400 Silkworm and Seersucker missiles used against surface targets in China and an unknown quantity of the same missile from Ukraine. Russia, however, will not help Iran modernize the Soviet-made ballistic missile SS-4, though the negotiations were conducted in that respect.
—"If There's a War Tomorrow," Moskovskiye Novosti (Moscow), 13-20 April 1997, No. 15, p. 19; in "Russia's Supplies of Armaments to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970717001163, 17 July 1997.

14 April 1997
Israeli Air Force Commander Eitan Ben-Eliyahu reports that Iran tested a missile capable of reaching Israel. Eliyahu says that Russia is helping Iran develop two missiles with ranges of 620 and 780 miles.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran and Nuclear Weapons (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000), p. 39.

16 April 1997
A colonel in the Kazakh Army is renegotiating a $90 million sale of 36 missiles and three older SA-10 SAM systems to Iran that fell through in February 1997. [Note: Refer back to the entry for February-March 1997 for more information.]
—Bill Gertz, "Iran Buys Arms from Russia," Washington Times, 16 April 1997, pp. 1, 16.

16 April 1997
American intelligence officials try to sabotage a Russian weapons deal with Iran by leaking details of two meetings monitored in Moscow in which arms shipments were agreed. These include the transfer to Tehran of 500 advanced shoulder-launched "Igla" anti-aircraft missiles. The United States indicates that the shipments are being organized by Russian brokers acting separately from Rosvooruzheniye, the state arms exporter, and that they are offering discount prices. Other older surface-to-air systems were also discussed.
—Hugh Davies, "U.S. Acts on Russian 'Hizbollah' Arms Deal," Daily Telegraph, 17 April 1997, p. 19, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

17 April 1997
German authorities believe that Germany is the central location for a procurement network, developed by the Iranians, designed to support Iran's missile and nuclear programs.
—Rudolf Lambrecht, Leo Mueller, and Tilman Mueller, "A Roaring Trade with Tehran," Der Stern (Hamburg), 17 April 1997; in "Report Details Arms Sales to Iran," FBIS Document FTS19970418000722, 18 April 1997.

17 April 1997
At a Senate hearing, U.S. officials say they do not have evidence in regards to Russia's help to Iran's missile program. Robert Einhorn, the Assistant Secretary of State for Proliferation, states that "We haven't concluded that these transactions have taken place, that transfers of advanced missiles have taken place. But we need to watch that very carefully. We are extremely concerned, however, by North Korea's supply of Scud missiles and Scud-related technology to Iran, as well as reports of missile-related cooperation with Russia and Chinese entities."
—Steve Rodan, "U.S.: Disputes Israel View on Iran Missiles," Jerusalem Post, 20 April 1997, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

20 April 1997
The Clinton administration regards Iran as a major security threat to the United States, but does not share Israel's intelligence assessment that Russia is helping Tehran develop a medium-range ballistic missile. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, insist that Moscow has embarked on a massive aid program to help Iran build a missile with non-conventional warheads that could strike Israel. Last week, Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Eitan Ben-Eliyahu said that Iran has already conducted ground tests of the indigenous missile.
—Steve Rodan, "U.S.: Disputes Israel View on Iran Missiles," Jerusalem Post, 20 April 1997, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 April 1997
Brig. General Rahim Safavi, deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that on 22 April 1997, Iran will begin the "Tariq al-Quds" (Road to Jerusalem) maneuvers in southern, southwestern, and western Iran in the provinces of Hormozgan, Bushehr, Khuzestan, and Kermanshahan. During the maneuvers, Iran's surface-to-surface, surface-to-air, and surface-to-sea missiles will be tested. Safavi says they have the technical knowledge and skills to build missiles themselves. Iran will utilize three new Russian submarines and Chinese anti-ship missiles during the maneuvers.
—"Khamene'i to Attend Launch of Tariq al-Quds Maneuvers," IRNA (Tehran), 22 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970422000103, 22 April 1997; Michael Binyon, "Iran Prepares for American Attack in War Games," Times (London), 23 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Martin Walker, "Washington Seeks Tough United Front in Europe Against Iran," Guardian (London), 23 April 1997, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

22 April 1997
Western intelligence sources say Iran has been trying to increase the range of its missiles with help from China, North Korea, and Russia.
—"World in Brief: Iran Tests Missiles in War Games," Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 22 April 1997, p. A4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

23 April 1997
"Tondar missile-launching frigates" take part in a parade together with more than 200 naval and air units to display the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps' (IRGC) preparedness to defend Iran.
—"Tehran Radio Reports on Iranian Military Exercises in Gulf," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program (Tehran), 23 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970423000557, 23 April 1997.

24 April 1997
General Rahim Savafi says that the most important characteristic of the Tariq-al Quds exercises is that it includes missile, air, naval, and ground operations staged simultaneously in the southern and western borders. Highlighting the defensive aspect of the exercises, the general says that the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) will test its surface-to-air, shore-to-sea, and surface-to-surface missile.
—"Gen. Safavi on Upcoming Exercise; Missile Testing," IRNA (Tehran), 21 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970421001052, 21 April 1997.

24 April 1997
Haaretz reports that North Korea recently supplied Iran with a computer program enabling it to produce the 1,300km-range Nodong missile.
—"North Korea Sold Missile Technology to Iran – Haaretz," Mideast Mirror, 24 April 1997, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

24 April 1997
IRNA reports that Iran tested several types of indigenously produced surface-to-sea, surface-to-surface, and sea-to-surface missiles during the maneuvers. Missile units of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) start the third phase of Tariq al-Quds maneuvers. Dozens of Iranian-produced surface-to-sea, surface-to-surface, and sea-to-surface missiles are fired for half an hour at the positions of a hypothetical enemy.
—"Iranian-Made Missiles Tested During Tariq al-Qods Exercises," IRNA (Tehran), 24 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970424000220, 24 April 1997.

24 April 1997
Video reports show Ayatollah Khamenei standing up during a briefing by military officers, cutting to a close-up of a missile and vehicles, followed by shots of soldiers moving in irregular formations.
—"'Video Selection List' TEH 97-123," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 24 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970424000685, 24 April 1997.

27 April 1997
A German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) report states that Iran has stepped up its arms programs considerably since 1996. BND experts obtained a great deal of information on the copying of Scud-C missiles. They believe Iran can accomplish the copying by the end of 1997. The report also states that Iran receives Russian support in its missile efforts.
—Heinz Vielain, "Intelligence Service Warns: Iran is Developing Nuclear Weapons," Die Welt am Sonntag (Hamburg), 27 April 1997, p. 4; in "BND Says Iran 'Stepped Up' Arms Programs 'Considerably'," FBIS Document FTS19970428000303, 28 April 1997.

28 April 1997
Iran completes its largest-ever military maneuvers. Approximately 200,000 Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) troops participated in the "Tariq al-Quds" maneuvers, with dozens of missile launchers and frigates carrying long-range missiles as well as other military hardware. Iran announces that the maneuvers carried a message of warning to deter the United States from attacking Iran.
—"Military Exercise Called Warning to Gulf, U.S.," Al-Wasat (London), 28 April 1997, p. 5; in FBIS Document FTS19970604003459, 28 April 1997.

29 April 1997
Major General Mohsen Rezai, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), says that the Tariq al Quds exercises were not only an amphibious military maneuver but also involved Navy, Air Force and missile units of the IRGC as well as units of the Basij.
—"IRGC Commander: Military Exercise Achieved All Objectives," IRNA (Tehran), 29 April 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970429000686, 29 April 1997.

30 April 1997
Iran's Defense Industries Organization (DIO) develops more advanced anti-tank weapons using its established manufacturing complex. The DIO's most sophisticated anti-tank weapon is the Raad anti-tank guided missile system, which is essentially the Russian Malyutka (AT-3 Sagger).
—"Iranian Anti-Armour Expertise Widens," Jane's Defence Weekly, 30 April 1997.

30 April 1997
The U.S. embassy in Almaty sent a note to Kazakhstani officials protesting Kazakhstan's $90 million sale of SA-10 "Grumble" (S-300) surface-to-air missiles to Iran.
—Bill Gertz, "U.S. Protests Kazakh's Plans to Sell Iran Advanced Missiles," Washington Times, 4 June 1997, p. A4.

May 1997
Citing "technical reasons," North Korea calls off talks with the United States regarding its ballistic missile sales to Iran and Syria. The talks were also supposed to address reports that North Korea is preparing to deploy Nodong-1 missiles. The talks were scheduled for 12-13 May in New York.
—Korea Times, 7 May 1997, in "DPRK Postpones 12-13 May Missile Talks With U.S.," FBIS-TAC-97-127, 7 May 1997, Document ID FTS19970507000738, <http://www.korealink.co.kr/>.

Early May 1997
Iranian missile technicians traveled to China to observe a ground-test of a 450mm-diameter solid-rocket motor to be used in the NP-110. Iran is supposedly developing the NP-110 missile with China.
—Bill Gertz, "China Joins Forces with Iran on Short-Range Missile," Washington Times, 17 June 1997, p. A3.

May 1997
Brigadier-General Rahim Safari, the Revolution Guards commander in charge of the forces, boasts that Iran now has the capability to close the Straits of Hormuz. During last week's Tariq al-Quds exercises, the Iranians demonstrated their new Tondar (thunder) surface-to-air missiles and a new anti-ship weapon. In addition, the Iranians have recently received a delivery of a consignment of the North Korean Nodong surface-to-surface missile that would enable them to launch attacks on Israel.
—Con Coughlin, "Iran Sends More Spies to Europe," Sunday Telegraph, 4 May 1997, p.30, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

May 1997
A precision-guided air-to-surface missile (PGM), which appeared in Jane's Missiles & Rockets in March, is likely the Iranian Self-Sufficiency Group of the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force's first indigenous design. The missile uses TV guidance, which raises the likelihood that the seeker may have been based on that of the Hughes AGM-65A and B version of the Maverick. Another potential source of the technology could be the Martin Marietta AGM-62 Walleye TV-guided bomb. The nose section of the Iranian PGM is similar to that of the Walleye, whose TV/datalink guidance would be easier to copy than that of the "fire-and-forget" of the Maverick. No export orders of the Walleye were ever announced, though Israel is known to have received the Walleye, making it possible that Iran was supplied the Walleye before the Islamic Revolution. No other technical details of the missile have been released, though it is estimated that the range is between 10-15km and the warhead could be 250-300kg.
—"Iran's mystery PGM identified," Jane's Missiles & Rockets, 1 May 1998, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

Late May 1997
Hezbollah guerillas in southern Lebanon obtain Caesar anti-aircraft missiles. Colonel Ahmad Jandaraqi, military official of the Iranian Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in the region, attended the distribution process.
—"Report: Hizballah Receives Antiaircraft Missiles From Iran," al-Watan al-Arabi (Paris), 4 July 1997, p. 14.

4 May 1997
Major General Mohsen Rezai, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), says that the "Great Road to Jerusalem" maneuvers were a joint operation. They were not limited to land and sea, but included land, air, sea, and missile operations that were successfully completed. In these maneuvers, the Iranian forces were able to test and reduce the percentage of error of their missiles. He adds that Iran already had the capability to repair and maintain its arsenal of missiles without foreign assistance and that Iran is producing high-quality missiles.
—"Mohsen Reza'i Interviewed on Maneuvers, Revolution Guard," Iran (Tehran), 4 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970604001297, 4 June 1997.

11 May 1997
A joint military exercise codenamed Salman-e Fateh (The Victorious Salman) starts this morning in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman with the secret code of "O Martyred Husayn." Naval and air units of the Iranian Army take part in this exercise. The exercise takes place in an area of 24,000 nautical miles between the Southern Persian Gulf Port of Jask, in Southern Iran and the second naval region in Bushehr. Warships, military helicopters, missile-launching frigates, submarines, amphibious units belonging to the navy, and fighter and bomber aircraft belonging to the Air Force are taking part in the exercises.
—"New Military Exercise Begins in Gulf, Sea of Oman," IRNA (Tehran), 11 May 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970511000074, 11 May 1997.

24 May 1997
Syria and Iran collaborate on improving the Scud-C missile, which both countries have bought from North Korea and China.
—Michael Evens, "Iran Seeks Syrian Aid to Bypass Spy Curbs," Times (London), 24 May 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

27 May 1997
Peter Frisch, president of the Cologne-based Office for the Protection of the Constitution and chief of Germany's counter terrorism, tells the Jerusalem Post that Iran is developing ballistic missiles that can reach deep within Europe and is working intensively to develop nuclear warheads. Frisch says that "they are getting missiles that can reach 3,000km, and they can reach not only Israel but Germany as well." Frisch says that German authorities are working to stop German companies from exporting parts for Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs. He says that Iran, Libya, and Pakistan have been trying for years to obtain parts for their non-conventional weapons programs through Germany.
—Steve Rodan, "German Terrorism Chief: Iran's Missiles Can Hit U.S.," Jerusalem Post, 28 May 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

31 May 1997
The Chinese government sells C-802 cruise missiles to Iran. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Cui Tiankai defends the transfer at a Beijing press conference, saying, "Our engagement with other countries, including Iran, in small amounts of conventional weapons is totally appropriate and legal."
—Thomas W. Lippman, "U.S. Confirms China Missile Sale to Iran," Washington Post, 31 May 1997, p. A15.

June 1997
The Iranian Sanam Group tries to get classified information regarding aviation equipment from Russia. The Russian Security Service intervenes and expels one Iranian from Russia and keeps two others from Sanam from coming into Russia.
—"Mikhail Kirillin: Several U.S. Firms Engaged in Developing Missile Equipment Have Links with Iranians," Yadernyy Kontrol (Moscow), March-April 1998, No. 2, Vol. 38, pp. 37-43; in "Iran's Missile Industry, U.S. Missile Development Firms with Iranian Links," FBIS Document FTS19980605000876, 5 June 1998.

3 June 1997
Iran tests the C-802, according to a senior U.S. military officer. [Note: For more information on the missile and the test, refer to the entry for 18 June 1997.]
—Bill Gertz, "Senate Asks for Sanctions on China," Washington Times, 18 June 1997, p. A13.

6 June 1997
Iran conducts a live-fire test in the Persian Gulf. The C-802 is fired from an F-4 fighter attack aircraft. [Note: For more information on the missile and the test, refer to the entry for 18 June 1997.]
—Bill Gertz, "Senate Asks for Sanctions on China," Washington Times, 18 June 1997, p. A13.

17 June 1997
China is assisting Iran produce a 100km-range solid-fueled missile under the name NP-110. Iran is using Chinese x-ray equipment to check the solid fuel and the missile casings.
—Washington Times, 17 June 1997, p. A3; in Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 5, No. 1, Fall 1997, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 143.

18 June 1997
The U.S. Senate passes a non-binding resolution calling upon the Clinton administration to impose sanctions on China for selling C-802 cruise missiles to Iran.
—Bill Gertz, "Senate Asks for Sanctions on China," Washington Times, 18 June 1997, p. A13.

18 June 1997
U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen reports that Iran's C-802 missile tests were the first known launch by Iran of the air-launched variant of the Chinese-made C-802, known as the C-801.
—"Chinese Missiles Tested," Iran Brief, 3 July 1997.

18 June 1997
A Russian report states that Iran tested the Chinese-made C-801 missile aimed at destroying oil tankers on 3 and 6 June. These missiles can be armed with chemical and nuclear warheads. One of the missiles was fired without a warhead from a missile-carrying gunboat, while the second was armed with a conventional warhead and was fired from a F-4 fighter of the Iranian Air Force. It was fired at a ship without any crew on board. Iran is the only country in the world that purchased Chinese made C-801 and their upgraded version C-802. These missiles are aimed at protecting the Iranian coasts and are mounted on ground mobile launchers. The C-801 has a range of 40km; it weighs 655kg and is 4.66 meters long. Its warhead weighs 165kg.
—Rafael Birkbayev, Itar-Tass (Moscow), 18 June 1997; in "Independent Iranian Sources' Confirm Missile Tests," FBIS Document FTS19970618000517, 18 June 1997.

July 1997
Iran will have missiles for nuclear, chemical, and biological warheads with a range of 2,000km.
—Iran Brief, 1 August 1997; in Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1998, Vol. 5, No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 142.

1 July 1997
The CIA reports to Congress that China and Russia are Iran's "primary sources for missile-related goods."
—"CIA Fingers China, Russia for Missile Tech," Iran Brief, 3 July 1997.

July1997
Iran is in the final stage of the development of a 1,100km-range missile and has started research and development of for a 2,000km-range missile.
—Washington Times, 25 August 1997, p. 3, in Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1998, Vol. 5, No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 142.

3 July 1997
A report states that the Clinton administration complained to senior Russian officials about Moscow's apparent collaboration with Iran on various ballistic missile projects. A U.S. official states that Iranian and Russian missile experts have held a series of meetings, creating the suspicion that Iran is acquiring both information and know-how.
—R. Jeffrey Smith, "Administration Concerned About Russia's Nuclear Cooperation with Iran," Washington Post, 3 July 1997.

10 July 1997
The final stage of the military exercise of the Division 77 of Khorasan, code named Samen ol-Hojajis, is carried out in the general area of Obat-e Jam. [Note: Reference to the eighth Imam.] Brigadier Karimi, the commander of the exercise, says that the most advanced electronic equipment and new military techniques and technology, air-tracking and destruction of an unmanned aircraft with a Sahand missile will be used during the maneuver.
—"Missile Destroys Unmanned Aircraft in Khorasan Exercise," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 10 July 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970710000778, 10 July 1997.

29 July 1997
Valery Nesterushkin, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, states that Russia has not supplied Iran with equipment related to ballistic missiles, nor does it cooperate with Iran in the missile field.
—"Russia Does Not Cooperate With Iran in Missile-Building, Says Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman," RIA Novosti, 29 July 1997.

29 July 1997
Russia expels an Iranian diplomat for allegedly trying to purchase missile engine blueprints. The diplomat is supposedly Iran's main figure for acquiring missile and other WMD technologies from Russia.
—Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," in CRS Report for Congress (Washington, DC: 29 July 1998), p. 9.

August 1997
The French SPOT satellite picks up a missile site in the mountains of Bakhtaran province in western Iran. According to the imagery, construction is already well underway. The site contains several underground bunkers and facilities joined by large-radius roads built to move the Shahab-3. According to exiled Iranian groups with sources inside the country, Iran plans to field a brigade of 15 Shahab-3 missiles. The missiles will be assigned to the Al-Hadid Missile Brigade. Based on the satellite imagery, it appears that the Iranian missiles will be loaded on transporter-erector launchers (TELs), which will be kept underground until needed and then deployed to pre-surveyed sites where they can be quickly launched. [Note: The satellite picked up these images in July 1994 as well.]
—Duncan Lennox, "Iran's ballistic missile projects: uncovering the evidence," Jane's Intelligence Review, June 1998.

22 August 1997
The Clinton administration has been urging Russia to stop the cooperation of Russian entities with Iran in the filed of ballistic missiles that might reach Israel. Some of these entities were state-owned military industrial companies during the Soviet Era.
—Steven Erlanger, New York Times, 22 August 1997, p. 1; in Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1998, Vol. 5, No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 142.

24-29 August 1997
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu raises the issue of Iran possessing intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other offensive rocket capabilities during his trip to the Far East. He cites the commercially motivated sales of raw materials and sophisticated industrial equipment to Iran during his talks with Japanese and Korean officials and business executives. In Seoul, he is given up-to-date information about North Korea's exports of surface-to-surface missiles to Iran.
—Jay Bushinsky, "PM, Albright Discuss Missile Threat," Jerusalem Post, 12 September 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

26 August 1997
The United States announces that it will grants political asylum to two North Korean defectors, Chang Sung Gil, ambassador to Egypt, and his brother Chang Sung Ho, a trade envoy in France. Chang Sung Gil, the first North Korean ambassador to defect, is expected to provide the United States with information pertaining to North Korean missile sales to Egypt, Iran, and Syria.
—Steven Lee Myers, "Defecting Envoy from North Korea To Get U.S. Asylum," New York Times, 27 August 1997, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

27 August 1997
After the United States refuses to return two defectors, one of whom is expected to provide information pertaining to North Korean missile sales to Egypt, Iran, and Syria. North Korea cancels joint talks with the United States on missile exports.
––"News at a Glance," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 27 August 1997, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

27-28 August 1997
During a visit to South Korea, Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu discusses North Korea's alleged missile sales to Iran.
— Jay Bushinsky, "PM: Korean DMZ Unfeasible for Golan," Jerusalem Post, 29 August 1997, p. 22.

September 1997
Iran's Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 ballistic missile programs have benefited from North Korea's assistance. Iran, according to the report, has received "at least a dozen" Nodong missiles from North Korea. The Shahab-4 reportedly has a range of 2,000km with a 1,000kg payload, and some believe it is based on the Russian SS-4.
—"Russia-Iran Ties Remain Issue at Gore-Chernomyrdin Meeting," Arms Control Today, September 1997, p. 29.

September 1997
L.P. Chromova, director of the Russian firm Inor, completes a deal with A. Asgharzadeh (reported to be a director of one of Iran's missile factories) to sell 620kg of 21HKMT special alloy steel used in missile manufacturing. Iran already bought 240kg of this steel. They are also seeking detailed information on special heat training procedures for the steel alloy. Inor previously sold maraging steel to the Shahid Hemat Industrial group and was offering to sell 49K2F, CUBE2, AND 50N steel alloys in thin foil form.
—Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs," October 1998, p. 32.

September 1997
Israeli sources reveal that private and state-owned Russian companies have supplied Iran with gyroscopes, electronic components, wind tunnels, guidance and propulsion systems, and other components instrumental in missile design and production. Russian President Yeltsin denies the allegations. The Russian Scientific and Production Center Inor reportedly concludes a deal to sell Iran a factory to make four special metal alloys to be used in the production of long-range missiles. Inor agrees to sell 620kg of 21HKMT alloy, which is also used in North Korean missiles. Iran already purchased 240kg of the alloy, and Inor previously sold Iran's Shahid Hemat Industrial Group maraging steel for missile cases, composite graphite-tungsten material, laser equipment, and special mirrors for missile tests.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran and Nuclear Weapons (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000), p. 41.

September 1997
Russian officials say that transfers of missile technology to Iran are being made without the government's consent.
—Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," in CRS Report for Congress (Washington, DC: 29 July 1998), p. 9.

September 1997
Russia is helping Iran develop four missiles, including the Shahab. U.S. intelligence reports say that China is also helping with these projects. Israeli reports say that the Shahab-3 is a liquid-fueled missile with a range of 1,200-1,500km with a 1,550kg payload.
—Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran and Nuclear Weapons (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000), p. 39.

September 1997
Israeli intelligence officials report that Iran's Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 (Meteor-3 and Meteor-4) surface-to-surface ballistic missile programs benefited from North Korean assistance.
—Craig Cerniello, "Russia-Iran Ties Remain Issue At Gore-Chernomyrdin Meeting," Arms Control Today, September 1997, <http://www.armscontrol.org>.

4 September 1997
Shen Guofang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Affairs Ministry, says that the U.S. Navy's allegations that China has provided Iran with banned chemical products for the manufacture of missile fuel are unfounded.
—"Beijing Denies Having Provided Iran With Military Material," Agence France Presse, 4 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS translation]

10 September 1997
U.S. Department of Defense officials say they received an Israeli intelligence report claiming that Iran is developing long-range ballistic missiles that could be deployed within three years.
—Bill Gertz, "Russia, China Aid Iran's Missile Program," Washington Times, 10 September 1997, p. 1.

10 September 1997
Reports of Russian enterprises helping Iran build ballistic missiles cause serious concern to the U.S. government. James Foley, State Department spokesman, states that these concerns have been relayed to the Russian government. Moscow assures the U.S. government that it is abiding by nonproliferation accords restricting transfer of ballistic missile technology. According to Mr. Foley, the U.S. government is still "disturbed by the discrepancy between these assurances and reports of Russian firms cooperating with Iran."
—"Russian Groups 'Helping Iran With Missiles'," Financial Times (London), 11 September 1997, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

11 September 1997
The German Customs Criminal Investigations Office (ZKA) in Cologne accelerates its investigation of German companies suspected of illegally exporting to Iran's arms industry. Among the suspect companies is a Duisburg company, which may have illegally delivered components to Iran's missile industry.
—"Germany: Export of Dual-Use Goods to Iran Investigated," Der Stern (Hamburg), 11 September 1997, p. 182-184; in FBIS Document FTS19970911000422, 11 September 1997.

11 September 1997
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister David Levy, Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai, and other Israeli senior aides to discuss Russian missile technology transfers to Iran. According to Israeli sources, Russia's transfer of missile know-how to Iran is a powerful technological program that entails long-term Russo-Iranian cooperation. This gives Tehran an enormous arsenal and the capability to manufacture missiles capable of carrying biological, chemical, or nuclear warheads within the next two-and-a-half years.
—Jay Bushinsky, "PM, Albright Discuss Missile Threat," Jerusalem Post, 12 September 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

12 September 1997
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders all joint Israeli-Russian economic projects to be halted in response to reports that the Russian government is intimately involved in Iran's ballistic missile development.
—Ben Kaspit, "Jerusalem Considers Reaction 'Options' to Iran-Iran Deal," Maariv (Tel Aviv), 12 September 1997, p. 2; in FBIS Document FTS19970912000832, 12 September 1997.

12 September 1997
Valeri Nesterushkin, vice spokesman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says that Russia is not assisting the Iranian nuclear missile programs. He adds that the Russian investigating services probed into foreign allegations about such assistance but could not find any reliable proof.
—"Moscow reconfirms not assisting Iran in its nuclear missiles," Agence France Presse, 12 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS translation]

13 September 1997
U.S. President Bill Clinton will send a special envoy to Moscow to discuss ending Russian assistance to Iran's missile program. An Israeli intelligence report identifies Russian Space Agency head Yuri Koptev as one of two Russian officials involved in the transfer of missile technology to Iran.
—Bill Gertz, "U.S., Israel Target Missile Aid to Iran," Washington Times, 13 September 1997, p. A5.

14 September 1997
Chinese arms dealers are taking advantage of lax government controls in Hong Kong to sell banned chemical weapons materials to Iran. The Chinese government is reportedly also providing Tehran with technical support and expertise to help develop ballistic missiles with a range of up to 2,000 miles. Before July's handover, Britain and the United States made a concerted effort to discourage the Chinese from using Hong Kong's diverse business activities to conceal their illegal trade with Iran. Most of the Chinese firms with ties to Tehran are linked to government-owned industries such as Norinco, China's main state-owned arms manufacturing conglomerate. [Note: For more information on these ties, refer to the entry for Early 1997.] Western intelligence agencies are studying reports that China is continuing to trade with Iran using a new set of "front companies." The importance of Hong Kong for Chinese businessmen trading with Iran has increased substantially after the German government last year closed the DIO's operation in Cologne, which was Tehran's main weapons procurement base in Europe. The Germans closed the DIO's offices after a tip-off that it was engaged in illegal activities.
—Con Coughlin, "Hong Kong Used as Conduit For Iran Arms Sales," Sunday Telegraph (London), 14 September 1997, p. 27, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

17 September 1997
The commander of the 10th Seyyed al-Shohada Division Asadollah Naseh says that it is thanks to the youth of Iran that the country is able to develop missile technology. He offers the TOW missiles as an example. He adds that Iran is the first missile power in the Middle East.
—"Military Commander on Iran's Missile Capabilities," Keyhan (Tehran), 17 September 1997, p. 7; in FBIS Document FTS19970929000087, 29 September 1997.

20 September 1997
American military intelligence agents begin investigating whether China's technology to build sophisticated missiles was obtained through the illicit transfer of classified information from U.S. Army supercomputers. The suspect Chinese missiles include a new ship-to-ship cruise missile that was sold to Iran and is capable of defeating defense systems on U.S. Navy warships. A military intelligence agent assigned to the investigation confirms that the guidance system of the Chinese C-802 missile appears to have been developed with American technology. [Note: This missile was acquired by Iran last year.]
—Stephen Green, "Missile Technology Leak From Army Computers Investigated," San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 September 1997, p. A19, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 September 1997
The joint headquarter of the Zolfaqar maneuvers says that the use of active reconnaissance networks, the stationing of electronic listening posts, defense equipment and ground-to-air missile sites, and air defense units identified and shot down the attacking aircraft of the imaginary enemy.
—"Achievements of Air Force in Iran Military Exercise," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), 21 September 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19970921000541, 21 September 1997.

23 September 1997
Vice President Al Gore states that a Russian-American investigation shows Iran making a "vigorous effort" to obtain technology for building nuclear weapons and the ballistic missiles to carry them. Iran repeatedly denies these claims. U.S. and Israeli officials say that the Russian military-industrial complex, quasi-governmental research institutes, and former scientists and military specialists may be contributing to an Iranian ballistic missile program. The Russian government denies selling missile or nuclear technology to Iran. Nonproliferation experts say that the larger problem comes from Russia's vast, unprotected military-industrial complex, including many research institutes, manufacturing plants, and storage facilities where rocket and weapons components are kept.
—David Hoffman, "Gore Says Probe Shows Iran Seeks Technology to Build Nuclear Arms," Washington Post, 24 September 1997, p. A26, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

25 September 1997
Israel presses the Clinton administration to impose economic sanctions on Russian organizations and companies reported to be supplying ballistic missile technology to Iran. The sanctions would fall under the Gore-McCain Act, which states that sanctions are mandatory against any private or state-owned company or government organization that helps Iran acquire missile technology. Sanctioned organizations are excluded from doing business with the U.S. government. According to Israeli intelligence reports confirmed by U.S. sources, such Russian organizations as Rosvoorouzhenie, the state arms export agency, and NPO Trud, a maker of rocket motors, are exporting to Iran while having or seeking U.S. contracts. According to Israeli intelligence reports, Iran is a year or less away, with foreign help, from being able to produce long-range missiles with ranges of 700 to 1,200 miles. Private and state-owned Russian firms are reportedly providing gyroscopes, electronic components, wind tunnels, guidance and propulsion systems and the equipment Iran needs to produce such components. Martin Indyk, U.S. ambassador to Israel, said at his confirmation hearing that Russian cooperation in Iran's missile development effort "is of urgent concern to the U.S." However, he added, "We have not yet made a judgment about whether that transfer of technology has breached the Missile Technology Control Regime...If we do make that judgment, the sanctions that are required under the law would have to be applied."
—Thomas Lippman, "Israel Presses U.S. to Sanction Russian Missile Firms Aiding Iran," Washington Post, 25 September 1997, p. A31, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

26 September 1997
The Russian government privately concedes that Iran is buying dangerous missile technology from Russian scientists and institutions and promises greater attempts to end trade.
—Peter Slevin, "Russia Vows to End Iran's Secret Buy of Missile Technology," New York Times, 26 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

26 September 1997
After his talks in the Kremlin with Jacques Chirac, the French president, Russian President Boris Yeltsin flatly denies Russia ever supplied nuclear or ballistic missile technologies to Iran.
—Chrystia Freeland, "Yeltsin Denies That Russia Aided Iran N-Weapons Effort," Financial Times (London), 27 September 1997, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 September 1997
Israeli Defense Minister Yitzhak Mordechai states that "Iran is on the verge of achieving capability of producing long-range missiles [with massive aid from Russia] that have strategic dangers to Israel as well as to U.S. interests in the region." In an interview, Mordechai tells the Jerusalem Post that the United States and Israel received intelligence information over the past few months that has led both countries to conclude that Tehran progressed faster than previously thought in both its medium-range ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. Western intelligence officials say that Iran has embarked on three missile programs. One has a range of 1,500km, another of 3,000km, and a third is a program to develop a missile with a 5,500km range. According to Israeli publications, Iranian missile plants exist in the cities of Shiraz, Farhin, and Semnan.
—Steve Rodan, "Iran Missile Program Nearly Complete-Mordechai," Jerusalem Post, 28 September 1997, p.1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Christopher Walker, "Iranian Ballistic Missile 'Almost Ready'," Times (London), 29 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

30 September 1997
An Israeli official says that Russia's technical assistance to Iran's missile development program could put Israel within striking distance of Iran within 18 months. The official identifies the Polyus Research Institute in Moscow, and Kutznetzov (formerly NPO Trud) in the town of Samara as firms involved in developing engines and guidance systems for Iranian missiles. The official says that the Russian SS-4 Sandel would be the basis for the Shahab-4 (Meteor-4). The Shahab-4 would have a range of 800-900 miles. The official declines to say if elements of the missile system had been test-fired. However, a second official says that components of the missile system had been successfully tested recently.
—"New Iranian Missile Could Endanger Israel," Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 22 September 1997, p.8, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Steve Rodan, "Israel in Iranian Missile Range by 1999," Jerusalem Post, 1 October 1997.

30 September 1997
Iran is developing nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. The Mossad states, "Massive Russian assistance and close cooperation with Iran are enabling the Iranian regime to develop independent capabilities to produce medium-range ballistic missile systems within a very short time." Technical and HUMINT sources reveal that the Shahab-3 and -4 missiles have ranges up to 1,240 miles. The DIA confirmed the Mossad's information.
—William Safire, "Russia Caters to Iran's Taste for Arms; Tehran is Developing Midrange Ballistic Missiles," New York Times, 30 September 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

30 September 1997
An Israeli official states at a briefing that advanced Russian technology will help Iran to produce a medium-range missile within 18 months. The official says that hundreds of Russian scientists and technicians are involved in the project. According to the official, two Russian companies, Polyus Research Institute in Moscow and Kutznetzov (formerly NPO-Trud) in Samara, were developing the engine and guidance system of the missile. Another official says that two Russian academic institutions, the Bauman National Technical University and the Tsagi Institute, were involved in developing rocket propulsion systems. They state that tests of some of the components were carried out recently and were successful. The official estimates that within 18 months, Iran would be able to produce the Shahab-3, a liquid-fueled missile with a range of 1,300km and a payload of 700kg. According to the joint U.S.-Israeli assessment, the Shahab-3 is making significant progress. Since its development was launched in 1994, the missile has completed required wind tunnel tests of the cone, and the engine has been tested as well. The navigation and control systems are believed to be in stages of advanced development although they may not have been completed. Sources say that Iran is developing four missiles. The Shahab-3 is considered to be the completed version of North Korea's Nodong missile. The Shahab-4, which has a range of 2,000km and a payload of more than one ton, is based on the technology of the Russian SS-4. The two other planned missile programs, which have not been named, aim to produce missiles with a range of 4,500 to 10,000km. Yiftah Shapir, a researcher at Tel Aviv University's Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies, thinks Israel is overestimating Iran's technological capabilities. Shapir states that the "...assessment seems very exaggerated. It will take several years of tests until the missile is operational. Take India. It took them six to seven years of tests until its missile moved out of the development stage to the operational stage."
—Steve Rodan, "Israel in Iranian Missile Range by 1999," Jerusalem Post, 1 October 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

October 1997
The Iranian Navy conducts the test-firing of Iran's new Shahab-2 missile, with a range of nearly 1,000km. The launch is regarded as a success by Iranian officials.
—Con Coughlin, "Iran Missile Test Launch Puts Israel Within Range," Sunday Telegraph (London), 2 November 1997, p. 29, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

October 1997
Madeleine Albright drafted a list of grievances that the U.S. has about Russia's involvement in Iran's missile program. The points she makes are as follows: Russia designs and tests missile technology that is in Iran's interest and helps Iran gain the capability to perform these tests within its own country; the Trud Science and Production Association in Samara cooperates with Iran on making a "large liquid fuel rocket engine"; the Energomash Science and Production Association in Khimky provides Iran with components close to the RD-214 rocket engine and are used in conjunction with SS-4 ballistic missiles; TsAGI, the Central Aerohydrodynamics Institute in Zhukovskiy near Moscow, has been or will be performing aerodynamic tests for SANAM; the Bauman Higher Technical School in Moscow offers missile technology training to Iranian students and also gives technological help to Iran; the Baltic State Technical University in St. Petersburg offers training to Iranians in making rockets and cosmonautics. The report also states that China and Russia are working on making missiles for Iran that have a 2,000km range which is based on the North Korean Nodong missile. Supposedly Yuriy Koptev, the Russian Space Agency General Director, and officials from Rosvooruzheniye have been "directly involved in Iran's missile program." Officials from both the Russian Space Agency and Rosvooruzheniye deny this statement.
—Konstantin Eggert, "'Meteor' for the Ayatollahs. Iran Needs Ballistic Missiles in Order To Become a World Power," Izvestiya (Moscow), 22 October 1998, p. 5; in "Part II of Iran's Missile Program Article," FBIS Document FTS19981022001488, 22 October 1998.

1 October 1997
U.S. and Israeli intelligence sources claim that Iran is making significant progress on the Shahab-3, a version of the North Korean Nodong with a range of 1,300km.
—Steve Rodan, "Israel in Iranian Missile Range by 1999," Jerusalem Post, 1 October 1997, p. 1.

1 October 1997
Iran's Defense Industries Organization (DIO) has expanded considerably in recent years and has begun to export equipment. The DIO's most significant growth area is Missile Industries, which produces anti-tank guided weapons to long-range artillery rockets designed and built in Iran. Iran also makes rockets for the RPG-7 and the SPG-9 anti-tank weapons. For the RPG-7, a new rocket with a tandem high-explosive (HE) anti-tank warhead has been developed.
—"Built in Iran: The Push for Self-Sufficiency," Jane's Defence Weekly, 1 October 1997.

2 October 1997
Russia's internal security service acknowledges that it stopped an attempt by Iran to obtain ballistic missile technology from a Russian factory, NPO Trud in Samara. The official says that they "thwarted" an Iranian attempt to have parts manufactured for a liquid-fuel missile. The parts were being disguised as gas compressors or pumps. The official adds that "separate occasions of cooperation with Iran" have been uncovered in Russia in which Russia "may have contradicted the MTCR [Missile Technology Control Regime]." He adds that ,"they had been detected at an early stage and a stop had been put to them." He also reports that Iranians study rocket construction in Russian institutes, including Baltic State University in St. Petersburg and Bauman State Technical University in Moscow, but that their studies involve "generally accessible" information. The official provides no further comments. The NPO Trud plant in Samara is one of several that Israeli officials have publicly identified as part of a "broad-backed program to help Iran build ballistic missiles with a range that could reach Israel and central Europe." The Israelis say that Iran is building two liquid-fueled rockets, the Shahab-3 and Shahab-4, with ranges of 1,500km and 2,000km, respectively.
—David Hoffman, "Russia Says It Thwarted Attempt by Iran to Get Missile Technology," Washington Post, 3 October 1997, p. A35, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

3 October 1997
An official from the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) says that Iranian technicians received training in missile construction from two Russian universities. He also says that the Russian government halted deals to transfer missile technology and equipment to Iran.
—"Russians Admit to Training Iranian Missile Technicians," Washington Times, 3 October 1997, p. A17.

5 October 1997
An Israeli official names four Russian institutes aiding the Iranian missile program: Kuznetzov, one of the leading complexes in Russia for developing missile engines; the Polyus Research Institute that specializes in laser and guidance systems; Bauman University, Russia's leading technical university for aeronautics, space and missile engineering; and the Tsagi Institute where aerodynamic experiments are conducted. Contracts for development of the Shahab-3 missile amount to several hundred million dollars.
—Yoni Katz, "Russia Accused of Arming Iran with Missiles," Scotland on Sunday, 5 October 1997, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

7 October 1997
Admiral Ali Shamkhani says that the Victory-8 military exercise will be staged jointly by the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on over 50,000 square kilometers of sea from the island of Lavan near the Kuwaiti border. He adds that over 100 warships, destroyers, and frigate missile-launchers, troops carrying and logistics vessels and surface-to-ship missile brigades would take part in these maneuvers.
—"Defense Minister Describes Upcoming Victory-8 Exercises," IRNA (Tehran), 7 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971007001194, 7 October 1997.

8 October 1997
Ali Akbar Ahmadian, Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) navy says that his navy would employ 70 speedboats as well as 10 missiles gunboats "Thunder" in the maneuvers. The boats are part of the IRGC's six naval brigades active in the Victory-8 exercise.
—"Naval Commanders Preview Iran's 'Victory-8' Gulf Maneuvers," IRNA (Tehran), 8 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971008001101, 8 October 1997.

9 October 1997
Israeli officials urge the United States to take immediate action against Russia to prevent Iran from acquiring ballistic missiles. They say that the window of opportunity for action is closing because Iran would obtain these missiles from Russia within 12 to 18 months.
—Yerah Tal, "Israel Suggests to U.S. 'Military Action' Against Iran," Haaretz (Tel Aviv), 9 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971009000495, 9 October 1997.

9 October 1997
Iran's former President Hashemi Rafsanjani says that Iran has the capability to build anti-aircraft missiles with a range of 250km. Rafsanjani says that the missiles represent a significant improvement in Iran's rocket technology.
—"Iran's Missiles Have 156-Mile Range," New York Times, 10 October 1997; in IAEA Daily Press Review, 13 October 1997.

13 October 1997
During the third phase of Iran's Victory-8 maneuvers, missiles are fired on hypothetical targets. The fast flying Warriors of the Air Force demonstrates their combat and defense capability in the Persian Gulf waters by firing air-to-surface missiles.
—"Air-to-Surface Missiles Fired in Naval Maneuvers," IRIB Television First Program Network (Tehran), 13 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971013000851, 13 October 1997.

14 October 1997
During the fourth stage of the Victory-8 exercises the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps uses rocket-launching frigates.
—"Iranian Radio Reports Use of RPV, Equipment in Exercises," Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran First Program Network (Tehran), 14 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971014000809, 14 October 1997.

16 October 1997
Unspecified intelligence reports identify Russian organizations suspected of involvement in Iran's attempt to develop ballistic missiles: Rosvoorouzhenie, the official Russian arms export agency; the Russian Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute; the metal alloy producer Inor, Bauman State Technical University; Baltic State University; NPO Trud, which manufactures rocket motors; and Polyus, which makes lasers. The report also identifies the Chinese company Great Wall for supplying Iran's missile program with missile telemetry equipment.
—Bill Gertz, "U.S. May Punish Russia for Iran Sales," Washington Times, 16 October 1997.

17 October 1997
Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Naval Forces Admiral Ali Akbar Ahmadian announces that his forces are capable of designing and manufacturing small missile-launching boats. He says that the new IRGC missile-launching boats would be deployed in the next joint military exercise, "Victory-9." Ahmadian says that shifting the missile sites, radar and modern communications tests, air and missile launching operations, expanding missile sites and testing upgraded missile systems are among the exercises planned during the maneuvers.
—"Admiral Claims Capability to Build Missile Boats," IRNA (Tehran), 18 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971018000075, 18 October 1997.

17 October 1997
China promises to suspend shipments of anti-ship cruise missiles to Iran.
—"U.S. Says Chinese Will Stop Sending Missiles to Iran," New York Times, 18 October 1997, p. 1.

17 October 1997
The commander of the missile unit at the Khatam Al Anbiya naval base of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that the Qa'areh (striker) missile system makes Iran the most powerful missile force in the Middle East. Second Rear Admiral Mohammad Razi Hayeq says that the IRGC's improved missiles were successfully tested during the joint Victory-8 maneuvers. He adds that conditions for new missile warfare were planned and staged during the various stages of the Victory-8. He also says that a joint mission by the new missile-launching frigates and the IRGC missile sites were staged during the exercise. The relocation of missile sites, radar exercises, testing of new communication systems, aerial and missile defense operations, increasing missile sites and testing of improved missile systems were carried out.
—"Commander Says Iran "Most Powerful Missile Force" in Region," IRNA (Tehran), 17 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971017001279, 17 October 1997.

18 October 1997
Guennady Tarasov, Russian Foreign ministry official spokesman, strongly denies the allegations of Russian assistance to Iran in developing ballistic missiles.
—"Moscow 'Strongly' Denies Helping Iran Create Missiles," Interfax (Moscow), 18 October 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971018000291, 18 October 1997.

18 October 1997
The Iranian naval forces claim success in developing missile-launching ships, which will give Iran superiority in the gulf, in terms of missiles. The Iranian president, Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani says that the 250km-range, Iranian-made surface-to-air missile can strike any part of the Persian Gulf.
—"End of Iranian Military Exercises in the Gulf," Agence France Presse, 18 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS translation]

20 October 1997
The United States agrees to sell China nuclear technology and in exchange Beijing will stop helping Iran and Pakistan develop their nuclear and missile programs. The Sino-American agreement, which could be signed October 29, would also include a promise by President Jiang Zemin that Beijing will stop selling anti-ship cruise missiles to Iran.
—Hugo Gurdon, "U.S., China in Nuclear Deal: Exchange Means China Must Stop Helping Iran, Pakistan," Gazette (Montreal), 20 October 1997, p. B1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

21 October 1997
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Mahmud Mohammadi says that Iran does not plan to purchase missiles from China.
—"U.S. 'Interference' in 'Peaceful' Iran-PRC Nuclear Relations," IRNA (Tehran); in FBIS Document FBIS- FTS19971021001109, 21 October 1997.

22 October 1997
A group of Iranian students studying at Bauman Moscow State Technical University attempted to manufacture a liquid-propelled rocket. The Komsomolskaya Pravda says that the Iranian students are receiving universally available training but adds that highly experienced missiles specialists also go to the same institute disguised as students. It is not clear whether the Iranian student project was a result of espionage or if the bosses of the production facility authorized it.
—Denis Baranets, "Scandals: Iranians Making Rockets. In Moscow...," Komsomolskaya Pravda (Moscow), 22 October 1997, p. 1; in "Probe Into Iranian's Rocket-Making Activities in Moscow," FBIS Document FTS19971022000227, 22 October 1997.

23 October 1997
Second Brigadier General Abol-hasan Sarfi, official in charge of anti-aircraft missiles at the Raad tactical base, says that this base was responsible for securing air cover in the region of the Great Zolfaqar Maneuvers. Using anti-aircraft rocket networks and air defense rockets, the Raad tactical base monitored and guided the operational region for the maneuvers. During these exercises, high-altitude missile systems were fired concurrent with the flight of aircrafts.
—"Zolfaqar Maneuver Commanders Interviewed," Saff (Tehran), No. 210, 23 October - 21 November 1997, pp. 12-17; in FBIS Document FTS19971203001108, 3 December 1997.

23 October 1997
Israel alerted the United States last January to the Russian sales to Iran. Iran has also reportedly received North Korean and Chinese assistance. Since January, the U.S. has confirmed transfers of Russian technologies used in missile design, construction, guidance systems, and engines. What is not known, experts say, is the success Iran has had in integrating components obtained from the Russian entities with those from Chinese, North Korean, and other sources. Nor is it clear whether it will succeed in developing non-conventional warheads for its missiles.
—Jonathan Landay, "More Flaws In Policy to Isolate Iran," Christian Science Monitor, 23 October 1997, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

24 October 1997
A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives approves a bill that would invoke sanctions against businesses involved in Iran's program to develop ballistic missiles.
—Sue Kirchoff, "U.S. House Panel Approves Iran Missile Sanctions Bill," Reuters, 24 October 1997.

25 October 1997
The Mossad, the Israeli Intelligence Services, says that Russia sent hundreds of missile experts to Iran to develop missiles with a range of 1,200 to 1,500km.
—"Israel gives priority to the Russian-Iranian relations with Primakov," Agence France Presse, 25 October 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>. [CNS translation]

26 October 1997
Russia's Foreign Minister Yvgeny Primakov denies that Moscow is helping Iran acquire ballistic missile technology. Primakov states, "Russia has and will continue economic and political ties with Iran, but there is no basis to rumors that the Iranians are receiving missiles from Russia."
—"Deal with Iran Denied," Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 27 October 1997, p. A5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

27 October 1997
Intelligence sources say that Russia's accelerated technological aid program will give Iran the capability to independently produce medium-range ballistic missiles that can strike Israel, the Gulf and central Asia within six to eight months. The sources say that Russia and Iran are already testing components for the Shahab-3 and by early 1999 will have finished the development of a medium-range missile with a range of about 1,300km. According to senior intelligence sources by mid-1998 the Iranians will have sufficient technology and parts to continue with their missile program even if Russia is forced to halt its participation. "We think it will be another few months that Iran will need Russia," a senior intelligence source says. "We're talking six to eight months."
—Steve Rodan, "Israel Not Expecting Russia to Yield on Iran," Jerusalem Post, 27 October 1997, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 October 1997
Israeli officials say that Iran is developing the Shahab-3 missile, which has a reported range of 1,300km and a warhead of 700kg. The Shahab-3 will be ready by 1999, though other specialists say that testing and making the missile operational will take longer. Iran is reportedly also developing the 2,000km-range Shahab-4 missile, which has a one-ton payload, based on the Russian SS-4. Israeli officials report that there are two other Iranian missile programs, one of which is intercontinental. Neither of these new programs has been named.
—Patrick Cockburn, "Middle East: Weapons that hold balance of terror," Independent (London), 28 October 1997, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

28 October 1997
Russia expels an Iranian diplomat for allegedly trying to purchase missile engine blueprints. The diplomat is supposedly Iran's main figure for acquiring missile and other weapons of mass destruction technologies from Russia.
—Stuart D. Goldman, Kenneth Katzman, Robert D. Shuey, and Carl E. Behrens, "Russian Missile Technology and Nuclear Reactor Transfers to Iran," in CRS Report for Congress (Washington, DC: 29 July 1998), p. 9.

November 1997
A Russian special services officer said that China and North Korea are the major suppliers to the Iranian missile program.
—Kaspit, Ben, Maariv (Tel Aviv) 9 December 1997 in FBIS-TAC-97-255, 9December 1997 Interfax (Moscow) 9 November 1997, in FBIS-TAC, 9 November 1997, in Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1998, Vol. 5, No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 142.

November 1997
German intelligence services BND reported that many agencies are involved in the Iranian missile program procurement. Among them is the Defense Industries Organization, Bonyad Mostafazan ve Janbazah and the State Purchasing Organization. BND investigates whether Krupp and Siemens subsides are involved in any illegal deal with Iranian entities. The German company Hoffman Mess und Regeltechnik of Swabia has allegedly supplied test devices used in tuning gyro-compasses and guidance systems. BND says that Iran uses fake companies located in third countries for such purchases. Dubai and Pakistan are considered among these third countries.
—Stern (Hamburg), 9 November 1997, pp. 182-184, in FBIS-TAC-97-254, 9 November 1997; in Nonproliferation Review, Winter 1998, Vol. 5, No. 2, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 142.

November 1997
As part of a plan to neutralize Iran's nuclear and missile programs, Israel receives the first of 25 advanced F-15I fighter planes. There are two options to the reported plan: one is to target Iranian missile plants in the cities of Shiraz, Kuramabad, Farhin, and Semnan or to target foreign scientists rather than the buildings at the sites.
—Christopher Walker, "Israel Steps Up Plans for Air Attacks on Iran," London Times, 9 December 1997, p. 12.

2 November 1997
Western intelligence officials are closely studying reports that Iran has conducted a successful test-launch of a new generation of ballistic missiles capable of hitting long-range targets. The Iranian Navy conducted the test-firing of Iran's new Shahab-2 missile, with a range of nearly 1,000km. The launch, which took place last month, was a success according to Iranian officials. Mohsen Rezai, the former commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says that the successful test means Iran is now close to being self-sufficient in manufacturing ballistic missiles, and states, "we are now able to produce intercontinental range." Western defense experts have been warning for several weeks that Iran's attempts to develop its own missile firing systems are nearing completion. Iranian technicians have been working closely with experts form North Korea and China for several years to develop Iran's own missile technology. Last week 16 countries signed a petition calling for a complete trade and weapons embargo against Iran. Curbing Iran's military build-up is often unsuccessful because Iran has many ways of procuring sophisticated technology and equipment. Concerns are being expressed that the Iranians will be able to exploit an international conference on hypersonic flight being held this week in London. Leading members of Russia's Tsagi Institute, experts in aerodynamics, scientists from NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and the European Space Agency, will discuss developments in missile technology.
—Con Coughlin, "Iran Missile Test Launch Puts Israel Within Range," Sunday Telegraph (London), 2 November 1997, p. 29, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

2 November 1997
Iran, reportedly, successfully test-launched the Shahab-2, a missile with a range of around 1,000km. Western intelligence officials believe that the Shahab-2 was developed with North Korean assistance.
–– Con Coughlin, "Iran Missile Test Launch Puts Israen Within Range," Sunday Telegraph, 2 November 1997, p. 29.

5 November 1997
The U.S. House of Representatives asks U.S. President Bill Clinton to impose sanctions on China and Russia for selling advanced missiles and technology to Iran.
—"U.S. House Approves China Legislation," Reuters, 6 November 1997.

6 November 1997
Israel asks the United States to fund the $150 million production and development cost of a third Arrow ABM due to the ballistic threat from Iran and Syria.
—Yerach Tal and Amnon Barzilai, "Israel to Trade in Old Jets for New," Haaretz, 6 November 1997.

8 November 1997
Western intelligence are worried that the cooperation between U.S. and Russian companies might benefit the Iranian missile program. Some of the Russian companies are also cooperating with Iran in the development of missiles. A Russian consortium, Energomash, that produces engines, has cooperation programs with Pratt and Whitney, the Polyus institute has cooperation programs with Litton while TsAGI has cooperated with Lockheed Martin.
—Le Point (Paris), 5 November 1997 in FBIS-WEU-97-316 in Nonproliferation Review, Vol. 5, No. 3, Spring-Summer 1998, Center for Nonproliferation Studies, p. 146.

12 November 1997
The U.S. House of Representatives approves stronger sanctions against companies or research institutes that are aiding Iran in the development of medium- and long-range missiles. The Clinton administration disagrees with the House and says that "it interferes with diplomatic efforts to address the problem, which centers on Russian companies aiding Iran."
—"House Backs Tougher Action on Iran Missiles," Reuters, 13 November 1997.

14 November 1997
The Public Relations Department of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announces the arrest of an Iranian diplomat caught attempting to buy technical documents on missile technology from Russian experts. The Iranian sought to buy blueprints and recruit Russian scientists to go to Iran. Iran's ambassador to Moscow insists that the 33-year-old Iranian was a student who had arrived in Russia with an ordinary visa. But American officials describe him as a representative of the Iranian missile program in Tehran. Russian officials say they had proof that he worked for Iran's government. Other attempts of acquiring dual use items have been reported recently.
—"Russian FSB Holds Iranian for Attempt to Buy Documents," Interfax (Moscow), 14 November 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971114001132, 14 November 1997; "Moscow Accuses Iran Diplomat," Financial Times (London), 15 November 1997, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Russia to Expel Iranian Accused in Missile Case," Journal Sentinel (USA), 18 November 1997, p. 15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>; Anthony H. Cordesman, Iran and Nuclear Weapons (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 7 February 2000), pp. 39-40, <http://www.csis.org>.

14 November 1997
Reza Teymuri, the Iranian arrested while trying to get missile designs from a Russian, is a technical representative of the Iranian embassy in Moscow.
—Ivan Safranchuk, ed. by Dmitriy Yevstafyev, "Scientific Notes No. 8: The Nuclear and Missile Programs of Iran and Russian Security – The Framework of Russian-Iranian Collaboration," Nauchnyye Zapiski (Moscow), 5 May 1999, vol. 8, pp. 1-36; in "Russia, Iran Nuclear Program Cooperation," FBIS Document FTS19990701001333, 1 July 1999.

17 November 1997
The Russian Foreign Ministry says that Russia apprehended an Iranian government official caught trying to buy missile technology. Iran's ambassador insists that the Iranian was just a student visiting Russia. However, U.S. and Russian officials believe he worked for the Iranian government. [Note: see 14, November.]
—Michael Gordon, "Russians Order Expulsion of Iranian Detained as a Missile Spy," New York Times, 18 November 1997, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

18 November 1997
An Israeli diplomatic source says that a team of North Korean experts on Scud-C missiles is visiting Iran.
—"Israeli Source Claims DPRK Scud Experts in Iran," Yonhap (Seoul), 18 November 1997; in FBIS Document FTS19971118000008, 18 November 1997.

19 November 1997
The CIA announces that the Kazakh Colonel Oleg Sinkin was trying to buy missiles from Russia and then attempted to sell them to Iran. U.S. intelligence reports say that Sinkin tried to buy SS-21 Scarab short-range missiles from Russia.
—Bill Gertz, "Kazakh Colonel Suspected as Arms Broker to Iranians," Washington Times, 19 November 1997.

21 November 1997
Iran is suspected of negotiating a secret deal to help Libya develop a ballistic missile with a range of more than 1,250 miles. The intelligence assessment is that Tehran would supply the Libyans with surface-to-surface missiles and technology. This would lead to a weapon with a range of more than 800 miles and a 1,650lb warhead in the first phase, and an advanced system with a range of more than 1,250 miles and a warhead of 2,200lb at a later stage. Supposedly the new agreement will also involve building a plant in Libya to make fuels and fuel components for ballistic missiles. There are reports that Iranian instructors have also begun training courses in Libya on missile navigation and guidance.
—Michel Evans, "Tehran Deal to Help With Libyan Missile," Times (London), 21 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

23 November 1997
Reports state that China and North Korea have sent more than 100 technicians to work on the final stages of Iran's surface-to-surface ballistic missile program. The reported goal is to give Iran an indigenous ballistic missile production capability by the end of 1998. The technicians are working at the Missile Industrial Complex in Hemat. They want to extend the range of the Nodong missile, which Iran bought from North Korea in the 1980s, to more than 1,600km. The Iranians are trying to complete development of the Shahab-3 and Shahab-4 missiles.
—Con Coughlin, "China, N. Korea Send Experts to Hone Iran's Long-Range Missiles," Washington Times, 23 November 1997, pp. 1, 5.

26 November 1997
A North Korean delegation led by Vice Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan meets with a U.S. delegation headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Charles Kartman at the State Department. This meeting marks the first time a senior North Korean official has held talks at the State Department. During the six-hour meeting, various topics are discussed, including North Korea's missile development and past sales to Iran and Syria.
— George Gedda, "U.S., North Korea Hold Talks," Associated Press (Washington), 27 November 1997, in Lexis-Nexis Academic Universe, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

30 November 1997
Captain Abdollah Manavi, operational Deputy commander of the Islamic Republic Of Iran's Navy says that the Navy has projects to develop missile systems, boosting defense capabilities in electronic warfare, improvement of electronics, radar, and telecommunication systems and control and command.
—"Operational deputy commander of the Navy: US nuclear submarines most dangerous threat to environment," Keyhan (Tehran), 30 November 1997, p. 7; in "Iran's Deputy Navy Chief on Future Plans, US' Gulf Presence," FBIS Document FTS19971208001045, 8 December 1997.

December 1997
Kenneth Timmerman states that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Posuvalyuk claimed during a visit to Israel that Russia kicked out Iranian students studying at various Russian missile design centers and universities. Posuvaloyuk is one of the architects of the Iranian-Russian cooperation and labeled Israeli reports of Russian missile sales to Iran "a pile of inventions based on, to put it mildly, an unfounded story."
—Mark Gorwitz, "Foreign Assistance to Iran's Nuclear and Missile Programs," October 1998, p. 51.

3 December 1997
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Victor Possavalyuk receives a message from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pass on to Russian President Boris Yeltsin, stating the seriousness with which Israel views Russia's supply of missile technology to Iran.
—Jay Bushinsky, "Netanyahu Again Warns Russia About Supplying Technology to Iran," Jerusalem Post, 4 December 1997, p. 2, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.

15 December 1997
Satellite reconnaissance of the Shahid Hemat Industrial Group research facility detects "the heat signature of an engine test for a new generation of Iranian ballistic missiles, capable of carrying an 821kg warhead more than 1,200km."
—Barton Gellman, "Shift by Iran Fuels Debate Over Sanctions," Washington Post, 31 December 1997, p. A16.

21 December 1997
A senior American official says that despite considerable efforts, it had not been possible to halt a flow of Russian missile technology to Tehran.
—Matthew Campbell, "Iran's Mullah's 'On Brink of A Nuclear Bomb'," Sunday Times (London), 21 December 1997, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.lexis-nexis.com/>.