Russia: Delivery of S-300 to Iran Ahead of Schedule

The head of the Russian arms export company announced on Tuesday, April 26, that Moscow is sending the S-300 missile defense system to Iran ahead of schedule. According to Russian news agencies, Alexander Fomin told reporters that Russia is currently negotiating with the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the delivery of other military equipment to the country. He stated, "These negotiations are solely about those types of equipment that the United Nations has not prohibited for sale to Iran." According to the Itar-Tass news agency, Mr. Fomin mentioned that the delivery of licensed weapons to Iran includes small arms and other products such as electronic warfare systems, non-lethal equipment, and tracking systems. Dmitry Rogozin, the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, said in an interview with 'Echo of Moscow' on April 11 that Moscow has begun sending parts of the S-300 system to Iran and that the contract between the two countries in this regard will be completed later this year. He added, "We are fully committed to executing the contract. They (the Iranians) pay, and we sell." Ali Larijani stated in an exclusive interview with Itar-Tass on April 21 that the sale of the S-300 defense system to Iran will enhance regional security. The United States and Israel oppose the sale of this system and other military weapons by Russia to Iran, considering it a violation of a UN Security Council resolution regarding arms sanctions against Iran. John Kirby, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated on April 19 that the delivery of the S-300 air defense system to Iran could lead to new sanctions against Tehran. He noted that the U.S. would be "closely monitoring" the delivery of these missiles to Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed concern about the delivery of weapons to Iran during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on April 23. The Islamic Republic of Iran displayed equipment it claims is part of the S-300 system during an Army Day ceremony on April 18, which included a military parade. The history of the contract between Iran and Russia regarding this type of weapon dates back to 2007, but Dmitry Medvedev, the then-President of Russia, suspended the contract in 2010 due to international sanctions. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, lifted the ban on the sale of the S-300 to Iran last year, after which the two countries began negotiations to update this system and additional payments from Iran. The S-300 system is capable of targeting aircraft at a distance of 150 kilometers and can track 100 targets simultaneously.