Response of the U.S. National Security Advisor and State Department to 'S-300 in Fordow'

Ben Rhodes, the U.S. National Security Advisor, and the U.S. State Department expressed concern following the display of images showing the S-300 missile system at the Fordow nuclear facility. Rhodes emphasized that this issue does not violate UN resolutions, but nonetheless raised concerns. On September 8, Rhodes stated in a White House press conference that the transfer of the S-300 system, which had been delayed in recent years due to nuclear sanctions against Iran, is not contrary to UN resolutions since it is a defensive system. According to Rhodes, these factors do not alleviate U.S. concerns regarding the transfer of this system. He also referred to the Fordow facility, where images of the S-300 deployment were shown. The advisor to Barack Obama noted that this facility is under the supervision of international inspectors, and the U.S. priority is to ensure Iran's commitments under the JCPOA, which means halting uranium enrichment and removing centrifuges. Rhodes stated that the main concern regarding the transfer of the Russian system to Iran is the modernization of Iran's capabilities; although it is a defensive system, its advanced specifications have raised concerns in Washington and among its allies in the region. The U.S. State Department spokesperson also mentioned that the department had previously expressed concerns about the transfer of the defensive system to Russia. John Kirby, the State Department spokesperson, echoed Rhodes, stating that the advanced nature of this defensive system enhances Iran's missile capabilities, which is a separate concern for Washington and its allies. Iranian television on September 7 displayed images claiming to show the 'complete S-300 air defense system' made by Russia around the 'Fordow nuclear facility.' It is unclear whether this system has been fully installed at the Fordow facility or not. However, what is clearly shown is the display of the system entirely within Iranian territory. The Fordow facility, where the Russian defensive system has reportedly been displayed, is considered one of Iran's sensitive nuclear facilities and a major center for Iran's centrifuge activities. At this facility, uranium enriched to 20% was produced; uranium that Iran and six world powers agreed to oxidize and dilute. The West was concerned that highly enriched uranium could be used to produce nuclear weapons. Tehran had purchased the S-300 system years ago, but its entry into Iran was prohibited due to nuclear sanctions. The President of Russia lifted the previous order to halt the delivery of the system following the nuclear agreement between Iran and the six world powers. In this context, Iran officially unveiled the Bavar-373 missile defense system.