Iran/Russia Missile Defense Deal
In March, sources reported that Russia had signed a contract to sell S-300 missiles to rogue state Iran, which the former Soviet Union promptly denied. According to the AP, the Foreign Ministry claimed Russia “has sold to Iran only defensive weapons that cannot destabilize the situation in the region” and added that Russia doesn’t sell S-300 missiles to the Middle East or Southwest Asia.
In August, The AP reported that Russia promised to reconsider selling S-300 missiles to Iran. The U.S. and Israel had reason to believe the so-called defense missiles would be used to defend Iran’s nuclear facilities. Shimon Peres, president of Israel, said that “President Medvedev gave a promise he will reconsider the sales of S-300s because it affects the delicate balance which exists in the Middle East.”
This week, Iran is urging Russia to honor the agreement to sell the country S-300 missiles and to not cave to detractors like the U.S. (Source) “In connection with the purchase of S-300, ” Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said, “we have a contract with Russia and I do not think it would be suitable for Russia to be seen as an uncertain partner in the world.”
Our country seeks cooperation from Russia to issue tougher sanctions against the rogue state, but Russia so far has refused. With talk of a deal between the two, Russia’s cooperation seems even more unlikely.
Israel claims Iran would use the S-300s to defend against nuclear facility air strikes. Israel has hinted at the possibility of pre-emptive strikes against Iran.
(Photo source: Getty Images)
