Iran criticizes Russia over decision to ban sales to Tehran of S-300 missile systems
By APThursday, September 23, 2010
Iran criticizes Russia over S-300 missile deal ban
TEHRAN, Iran — The Iranian defense minister has criticized Russia for banning all sales of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran.
Thursday’s comments by Gen. Ahmad Vahidi come a day after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a decree on the ban.
Russia signed a 2007 contract to sell the sophisticated systems that could boost Iran’s ability to defend against air strikes. Israel and the United States have objected to the deal, and no such missiles have been delivered yet.
Russia has recently has shown increasing frustration with Iran’s policies and has said United Nations sanctions would prevent it from delivering the S-300s to Iran.
Vahidi told Iranian state TV that the Russians are obliged to implement the 2007 contract.
