Despite US sanctions, Iran flexes military muscles at airshow

Iran showed off its military capabilities on Tuesday during the 9th International Air-Show in the southern island of Kish.

The airshow was attended by Iranian Defense Minister Amir Hatami, Vice President for Scientific and Technological Affairs Sorena Sattari and other military officials.

During the event, the Islamic Republic displayed helicopters, drones, warplanes and aircraft.

Iranian F-4 and F-14 fighters, Russian MIG-29, the Lithuanian Patrol Squadron and the L-39 Albatros took part in an airshow during the fair.

The airshow opened Tuesday despite sanctions imposed by the U.S, after Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran.

In August, the U.S. re-imposed the first round of economic sanctions on Iran, mainly targeting the country’s banking sector.

The second phase of sanctions, targeting Iran’s energy sector, came into effect on Nov. 5, although Washington granted temporary waivers to the eight largest purchasers of Iranian oil -- including Turkey -- for a 180-day period.