Iran MP warns Russia over delay in delivering missiles

Washington, 8 November (WashingtonTV)—A senior Iranian lawmaker on Sunday warned Russia not to delay in delivering an advanced anti-aircraft missile defense system to Tehran.

Russia signed a contract two years ago to sell the S-300 missiles to Iran, but has not yet made any deliveries as part of the deal.

If avoiding delivery of the system to Iran “is Russia’s official stance, it would represent a new chapter in their broken promises,” Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of the Majlis [parliament] national security and foreign policy commission, said in comments carried by the semi-official ISNA news agency.

The United States and Israel have both pressed Russia to forgo delivering the missiles to Tehran, which would greatly increase Iran’s defense capabilities against a possible airstrike on its nuclear sites.

Boroujerdi was quoted as saying that more delays “are to Russia’s disadvantage, because we have many areas of cooperation with them.”

“If they do not act on their word, and talks do not lead to a result, this matter will be a negative point in our relations,” he added.

Russia has dismissed Western concerns about its arms sales to Iran, saying that it only provides its partners with non-destabilizing weapons, which comply with its international commitments.

Source: ISNA

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