Russia: There is no reason for the deployment of the US missile shield after the agreement with Iran

Sergei Ryabkov, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, stated on Friday, August 14, that there is no reason to continue the US missile shield program in Europe following Iran's nuclear agreement with six world powers. According to Reuters, the Deputy Foreign Minister said, 'We see no reason for the continuation of this program (the missile shield), especially with such increasing speed and with a clear aim against Russia's nuclear capacity.' This official previously accused the US President of not telling the 'truth.' Ryabkov also mentioned on Friday, 'My conclusion is that the US government artificially presents reasons to cover up the real intentions behind such a decision to continue this program, and the decision to accelerate the establishment of the missile shield in Europe has been made for various reasons.' Russia has previously rejected the US claim of establishing a European missile defense system aimed at protecting European countries from Iranian missile threats. Moscow considers the US missile shield a strategic threat and fears that its nuclear deterrence could be compromised by this shield. Russia had even proposed to participate in the missile shield project with NATO, but NATO, led by the US, rejected this proposal and only allowed Russia to be an observer in the project. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia has also denied reports regarding the visit of Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, to Russia. Sergei Ryabkov stated, 'I have no information regarding whether (Qassem Soleimani) has traveled to Russia.' A spokesperson for the US State Department said last week that Washington had protested to senior Russian officials regarding Soleimani's recent visit. In recent days, reports about Soleimani's trip to Russia and a meeting with the country's president had been published. The Kremlin had denied these reports. In this context, Washington remains 'concerned about Iran's ballistic missiles.'