John Kerry Expresses Concern Over Transfer of S-300 Missile System to Iran

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, expressed concern regarding the transfer of the S-300 missile system to Iran during a meeting with the President and Foreign Minister of Russia in Sochi. The Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported on Tuesday evening, May 11, that Kerry confirmed in this meeting that the transfer of the S-300 missile system to Iran does not violate international laws. However, the Interfax news agency wrote that the U.S. Secretary of State expressed concern about this decision, stating that the transfer of the mentioned missile system to Iran could have negative effects. The transfer of the S-300 missile system to Iran was initiated by a decree from Vladimir Putin on April 13. Moscow had committed to delivering this defensive system to Iran in 2007 under a contract worth $800 million, but following international sanctions against Tehran, Moscow also refrained from implementing this contract, which led to Iran's complaint. Iran announced that it would withdraw its complaint once it receives the S-300 missile system. Interfax further reported that Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, after discussions with Vladimir Putin and John Kerry, stated that Moscow and Washington are satisfied with the progress in nuclear negotiations with Iran. Lavrov stated, 'We exchanged views and expressed our satisfaction regarding the implementation of the final agreement on Iran's nuclear program.' On the other hand, John Kerry mentioned that he had candid discussions with the Russian President about Iran, Syria, and Ukraine. According to Reuters, Kerry tweeted: 'I had candid discussions with President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov on key issues including Iran negotiations, Syria, and Ukraine. It is important that lines of communication between the United States and Russia remain open so we can address urgent global issues.' The news agency also reported, based on the Russian Foreign Ministry's statement, that Sergey Lavrov emphasized in discussions with his American counterpart that efforts to pressure Russia through sanctions would not lead anywhere. He stated, 'Cooperation is only possible based on fairness and equal rights, not by one side dictating terms and using force.' Relations between Washington and Moscow have deteriorated since Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Russia is accused of supporting rebels in eastern Ukraine, which has led the U.S. and its European allies to impose sanctions against Moscow.