Senior Russian Official: We Will Not Deliver S-300 Until Iran Withdraws Its Complaint

Following reports of a dispute between Iran and Russia regarding the delivery of the S-300 defense system, a senior Russian official has emphasized that no action will be taken regarding the transfer of this system until Tehran withdraws its complaint against Moscow. The Russian news agency 'Sputnik' reported on September 1st the remarks made by a senior Russian government official to reporters. The complaint dates back to a contract signed in 2007 between Iran and Russia for the procurement of the S-300 defense system, valued at $800 million, which was halted due to international sanctions against Tehran. Subsequently, Tehran filed a complaint in 2011 at the Geneva Arbitration Court. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, lifted the previous suspension on the delivery of the defense system before Iran and six world powers reached a nuclear agreement for the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Nevertheless, this missile defense system has still not been delivered to Iran. Recently, an Iranian government official visited Moscow, where part of his discussions with Russian officials pertained to the defense system. At the same time, the Russian news agency 'TASS' quoted a source from the Russian military industries organization, stating that the disagreements revolve around Iran wanting to receive the first part of the system to withdraw its complaint against Moscow, while Russia insists on the withdrawal of the complaint before proceeding with further actions. The senior Russian official reiterated Moscow's demand, stating, 'The main requirement is to withdraw the complaint [from the Geneva Arbitration Court]. They (Iran) have not yet withdrawn this complaint, and we are waiting.' In August of this year, Iran's Defense Minister stated that Iran would receive the S-300 system from Russia by the upcoming December. Iranian officials had previously mentioned receiving another defense system, even more advanced than the S-300.