State Department Says Iran’s Transfer of U.S. F-5s to Jordan Was Approved by U.S.

The State Department confirmed today that the United States had approved Iran’s transfer of 24 American-built F-5 interceptor-fighters to the Jordanian Air Force, Department spokesman Robert Anderson said the transfer was allowed because “both countries are close friends of the United States” and “Jordan has a legitimate need for them.” He added, “Our policy is to support regional cooperation and strengthen the defenses of our friends.”

Iran, which has an ongoing multi-billion dollar arms arrangement with the U.S., including the latest, most powerful and most sophisticated jets, no longer needed the F-5s which are old models, Anderson said. The F-5 has been described as a defensive aircraft useful against small units and no threat to Israel.

Asked why Iran made the transfer, Anderson said, “Anyone following events over the past few years will understand Jordan’s needs.” He refused to say whether he was referring to Jordan’s need to fight Palestinian terrorists, as the Hussein regime did four years ago, or a statement from Amman that it was unable to send more than token forces into Syria to fight against Israel in the Yom Kippur War because of the weakness of its air force.

BUILD-UP OF IRAN’S PRESTIGE

Informed sources here said Jordan was receiving additional protection from Iran as insurance against the possibility of a fresh Palestinian effort to topple the Hussein regime with Syrian support, Anderson said U.S. approval of the Iranian transfer was communicated to the chairmen of the Senate and House foreign affairs committees and to House Speaker Carl Albert on Dec. 18.

Some sources here suggested that approval of Iran’s transfer of war planes to Jordan was in line with U.S. policy to build up Iran’s prestige in the area. It is understood to have been the first such transfer of its kind in the Middle East. Under U.S. military sales contracts, a purchaser is prohibited from transferring American equipment to a third power unless the U.S. officially approves.

Anderson said he did not know whether Iran had requested Washington’s approval of other transfers of weapons it purchased in the U.S. Egypt was specifically mentioned in that connection, The U.S. has never contradicted reports from reliable sources that its arms sales to Iran amount to about $10 billion over a six-year period that began two years ago. About half the sum has already been contracted.

ROLE OF OMAN IN BUILD-UP

Another aspect of America’s build-up of Iran and its apparent policy of strengthening ties with the Persian Gulf states was seen in the all-out welcome being extended to Sultan Quaboos Ibn Al-Bu Sa’ld of Oman who starts a three-day visit to the U.S. tomorrow.

The State Department announced that the ruler of the tiny Sultanate that commands the straits connecting the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, will be greeted by President Ford at the White House tomorrow afternoon. Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger will host a dinner in his honor tomorrow-night, and Vice-President Nelson Rockefeller will give a luncheon for the Sultan Friday.

Although the State Department officially described the Oman ruler’s visit as a private matter enabling him to become better acquainted with the U.S. and meet its leaders, it announced that the Sultan would meet with Kissinger at the State Department Friday and would also confer with Defense Secretary James R. Schlesinger. Department spokesman Robert Anderson said he had “no idea” why the Sultan is meeting with Schlesinger.

Iran has been bolstering Oman militarily against Communist-dominated elements in neighboring states and has been moving toward the role of defender of the Straits of Oman through which Persian Gulf oil is shipped.