Iran criticizes U.A.E. - U.S. F-16 warplane deal

Iranian radio on Wednesday criticized the United Arab Emirates' purchase of F- 16 warplanes from the U.S., noting that this deal may "threaten peace and stability in the region."

The radio report said that Iran reacted to the U.A.E.'s announcement of the deal by saying, "The purchasing of these planes will not threaten the balance of power between greater states in the region but will escalate armament races between smaller countries."

The announcement came before the visit to be carried out by Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi on May 23 to the U.A.E. to discuss the dispute between Tehran and Abu Dhabi concerning the three strategic Arab Gulf islands of Abu Mousa, Lesser Tanb and Greater Tanb occupied by Iran.