U.S. State Department: We oppose the transfer of S-300 to Iran, but it is not against the JCPOA

On May 10, the spokesperson for the U.S. State Department told reporters that Washington has repeatedly expressed its opposition to Moscow regarding the transfer of the S-300 missile defense system to Iran, but this issue does not violate Resolution 2231 or the nuclear agreement. In the first week of May, the head of the Russian arms export company announced that Moscow is sending the S-300 missile defense system to Iran ahead of schedule. Parts of this system were also displayed during the Army Day ceremony in Iran. Ms. Trudeau, in response to reporters' questions about this system, stated, 'We are aware of reports regarding the progress of the transfer of the S-300 defense system from Russia to Iran. We have clearly stated our opposition to the sale of this system for some time. Secretary of State Kerry has spoken with [Russian] Foreign Minister Lavrov... We will monitor this situation.' According to the U.S. State Department spokesperson, Washington opposes the sale of 'high-level military components' to Iran, even when they have defensive applications. She emphasized that she does not want to discuss how this system will be used in Iran, but 'the U.S. position on the S-300 has not changed.' Ms. Trudeau stated that the transfer of this system to Iran is not against Security Council Resolution 2231, which was established after the nuclear agreement, nor against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Previously, John Kirby, another spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, had stated at the end of April that the delivery of the S-300 to Iran could lead to new sanctions against Tehran. According to Mr. Kirby, this issue could involve sanctions based on U.S. domestic law. However, he did not comment on the certainty of such a development. Ms. Trudeau also refrained from discussing potential sanctions, saying, 'I will not get into a discussion about sanctions at this time.' The United States, despite having lifted sanctions related to Iran's nuclear program following the agreement on July 14, still imposes other sanctions against Tehran related to its missile program, allegations of 'state-sponsored terrorism,' or human rights violations. Tehran claims that its missile program is 'defensive' and has denied allegations of supporting terrorism.