Special report: Iran Nuclear Crisis

This April 2, 2003 file photo shows an F-14 fighter jet. The Pentagon has stopped selling spare parts from its retired fleet of F-14 fighter jets, worrying the parts could eventually go to Iran, CBS News reported Wednesday.(Xinhua/AFP Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    WASHINGTON, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Pentagon has stopped selling spare parts from its retired fleet of F-14 fighter jets, worrying the parts could eventually go to Iran, CBS News reported Wednesday.

    The move came as some U.S. politicians raised concerns over the security gaps in surplus sales which they say may give Iran and others access to sensitive U.S. military equipment, according to the report.

    Iran is the only country still flying the F-14.

    Defense Logistics Agency spokesman Jack Hooper was quoted as saying that the agency had ordered the freeze last Friday pending a comprehensive review by government to determine what should be done with them.

    The Pentagon's decision was made at a time when Teheran's alleged involvement with insurgents and sectarian fighting in Iraq have gained momentum.

    Critics of the jet parts sales have concerned that such sales may eventually arm countries like Iran with critical military equipment that can be used against U.S. interests.

    The Pentagon last year halted the sales of some components considered unique to the F-14, but it at the time allowed sales of60 percent of roughly 76,000 other parts considering them general aircraft hardware.

    The Pentagon's latest move will also halt those sales.

Related:

Thinking tank sees Iran 2 to 3 years away from building nuclear weapon

LONDON, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Iran is still at least two to three years away from building an nuclear weapon, a British leading think tank reported on Wednesday.

Ahmadinejad: Iran serious in defending absolute nuclear rights

    TEHRAN, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that his country is serious in defending its absolute nuclear rights, the official IRNA news agency reported.

    Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying in a cabinet session that "The government has the responsibility to meet the nation's demands, that is implementation of the (Supreme Leader's nuclear) policies."