Putin lifts ban on S-300 transit through its territory to Iran
By Sara Rajabova
Russian president has lifted a ban on the supply of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, which had caused a disagreement between two countries for some time.
Vladimir Putin signed a decree to lift the ban on the supply of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, RIA Novosti reported citing the Kremlin press service.
"The decree removes the ban on transit of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems through the territory of the Russian Federation (as well as by air), their removal from the territory of the Russian Federation to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as their transfer to the Islamic Republic of Iran outside the Russian Federation by using ships and aircraft under the state flag of the Russian Federation," the statement said.
Victor Kladov, the head of International Cooperation Department of Rostec Corporation said lifting UN’s weapons sanctions against Iran will allow Russia to continue military-technical cooperation with the country by supplying new equipment, including air defense weapons and upgrading weapons and equipment already in use.
Kladov said Russia has a rich range of air defense systems, adding that the two countries can return to the initial contract, and offer other air defense complexes and systems.
Russia and Iran have experienced a disagreement over the delivery of the anti-aircraft missile systems S-300 under a deal earlier signed between them.
Under the $800 million contract signed in 2007 by the two countries, Russia was to deliver S-300 air defense missile systems to Iran. However, the deal was canceled in 2010 by then-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, following UN sanctions on Iran due to its disputed nuclear program.
Iran has repeatedly called on Russia to abide by the terms of the agreement, which was cancelled following UN sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Tehran went as far as filing a $4 billion lawsuit against Russia’s intermediary agency for exports and imports of defense-related and dual use products, technologies and services, the Rosoboronexport with Geneva's arbitration court.
--
Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @SaraRajabova
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz