Russia’s decision on S-300 to pave way for other supplies to Iran - lawmaker

MOSCOW, April 13. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin’s decision on lifting the ban on S-300 missile deliveries to Iran is a timely move, paving the way for other supplies from Russia to Iran, head of the State Duma Defence Committee Vladimir Komoedov told reporters on Monday. "The decision to lift the ban on the delivery of S-300 missiles is timely, it clears the way for other areas of interaction in the military and technical cooperation, including air complexes and warships," Komoedov said. When asked whether other air defence systems could be supplied to Iran, Komoedov said, "We had an agreement on the S-300 missiles, so we’ll deliver S-300." He noted that the S-400 missile systems have been supplied to China. "Let China defend itself with S-400, while Iran will defend itself with S-300. Both systems are very reliable. Iran will be protected, let it defend itself with our weapons," he added. The implementation of the 2007 contract on deliveries of S-300 missile systems to Iran was suspended in 2010 because of the UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Following a visit of Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu to Iran In January, the US Department of State said the deliveries of S-300 missiles to Iran would be inadmissible. However, the Iranian side has repeatedly expressed hope for the delivery of S-300 missile systems by Russia. In February, head of the Rostec corporation Sergey Chemezov said Moscow had offered Iran the modernized Antey-2500 systems instead of S-300. The United States supported the move. According to the first deputy head of the United Russia faction in the State Duma Franz Klintsevich, "in this case such decisions mean that Russia and other countries are building up serious relationship with Iran, that sanctions against Tehran are being lifted, that Iran is maintaining a dialogue with the civilized world." "The Americans will hardly be happy with our decision," he said. "But Russia has always been and will remain an independent country pursuing an independent foreign policy taking into account its interests and benefits. It serves our own interests." Putin’s decision "shapes the balance of forces in the region," he noted. Read more