Arms Sales ‘Blunder’ Seemed Hostages’ Only Hope, Peres Says

JERUSALEM — The U.S.-Israeli arms deal with Iran was a mistake, but there appeared to be no other way to negotiate for American hostages held in Lebanon, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres said Tuesday.

“When two democratic countries have to deal with one undemocratic country, we create a blunder,” he said. “When the Israel-American-Iran arms deal is analyzed, it will be seen there would not have been a crisis if it hadn’t been for the hostages.”

The remarks were somewhat at odds with Reagan Administration explanations that the initiative was taken to open the door to “moderate” elements in Iran, who were asked to help with hostage releases as a sign of good faith.

The shipments of U.S. weapons, said to have begun in August, 1985, have created a scandal in Washington, where top Reagan Administration officials are being called as witnesses in congressional investigations.

Kirkpatrick Honored

Peres spoke to 100 Israelis and Americans at a luncheon honoring Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

U.S. and Israeli officials say the arms sales to Iran were part of efforts to free hostages held by extremist groups in Lebanon allied with Iran. The missing in Lebanon include five Americans and at least two Israelis.

According to Israeli radio, Peres was questioned by a parliamentary committee and said rescuing the hostages “was a prime consideration” in the arms deal.

It reported that Peres would not say whether Israel sold weapons to Iran before making the arrangement with Washington last year.