Russian President Putin. (Frederic Legrand-COMEO/Shutterstock)
Russia has decided to sell advanced surface-to-air missiles to Iran now that a framework nuclear agreement was reached between Iran and the six global powers.
The Kremlin announced Monday that Russia has lifted its ban on the delivery of the sophisticated S-300 air defense missile system to Iran.
Russia signed the $800 million contract to sell Iran the S-300 missile system in 2007, but suspended delivery in 2010 because of strong objections from the United States and Israel.
Iran filed a lawsuit with a court in Geneva seeking $4 billion in damages for breach of contract, but the court did not issue a ruling.
Russia has insisted that its decision to freeze the S-300 delivery was based on the sanctions that the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) had imposed on Iran over its nuclear program.
The decree signed Monday by President Vladimir Putin allows for delivery of the missiles. The reason given for lifting the ban is reportedly the interim agreement struck between Iran and the P5+1, which enables renewed ties and transactions with the Islamic Republic.
If Iran does in fact obtain the surface-to-air missiles, an aerial attack on Iran by the US or Israel will become a much more complex and dangerous task.
The S-300 is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world, designed to intercept aircraft, cruise and ballistic missiles.
By: United with Israel Staff and AP
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