Originally Posted by
c_coder
The 737 Max 8 likely contains many Controlled Items (for the purpose of ITAR) which can not be exported to Iran without approval.
(...)
Edit: the whole point of ITAR is to keep the US and their allies ahead of potential enemies. So the restrict export of the latest hardware and software, It doesn't have to be specifically military, but the hardware and software in a modern radar would certainly be covered.
ITAR is what I meant by "leaving politics aside". Leaving ITAR aside, what would they learn technologically from having access to 737Max8 spares and tools during an engine change which they haven't already learned from operating A320 and A330? Didn't they have 737Max8 aircraft on order anyway before sanctions where re-imposed?