Lavrov: The S-300 Issue is Part of Bilateral Relations with Iran

Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated that he heard nothing about the discussion of the S-300 air defense missile system during the recent visit of the Russian Defense Minister to Iran, emphasizing that this issue is part of the topics in the bilateral relations between Iran and Russia. According to the Itar-Tass news agency, Mr. Lavrov said in Moscow on Wednesday, January 21: "I have not heard anything about the S-300 being discussed in the recent meeting of the Defense Minister with his Iranian counterpart." The Russian Foreign Minister added: "This is a topic in our bilateral relations and will be addressed within the framework of these relations." Sergey Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, visited Tehran this week and signed a military-defense agreement with his Iranian counterpart, emphasizing the resolution of disputes between the two countries regarding the S-300 system. Iran filed a complaint against Moscow in the International Criminal Court following Russia's refusal to deliver the S-300 missile system, seeking $4 billion in damages. The two countries had agreed in 2007 that Russia would deliver the system to Iran in exchange for $800 million, but following UN Security Council sanctions against Iran in 2010, Moscow also refused to implement this agreement. The S-300 defense system can cover a radius of 150 kilometers and is capable of tracking and targeting aircraft and ballistic missiles at both low and high altitudes. Israel and the United States have reacted negatively to the sale of this system to Iran and have urged Kremlin officials not to provide this type of advanced weaponry to Iran.