Home » Criticism, Middle East » Iran says S-300 a non-issue in defense

Iran says S-300 a non-issue in defense

Posted by EU Times on Nov 12th, 2010 // No Comment

aghaie20101111234007590 — Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi

Iranian defense minister has played down Russia’s refusal to deliver S-300 defense systems to the country, adding that production of long-range anti-air missile systems is in progress.

Speaking on the sidelines of Iran’s fifth International Air Show at Persian Gulf island of Kish, Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi blasted Russia for running afoul of the terms and conditions of its formal sales contract with the Islamic Republic for delivery of at least five S-300 systems, IRNA reported on Thursday.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Iranian brigadier general brushed aside speculations that the existing problems facing the contract would adversely impact Iran’s defense strategy or outlook of its military progress, reiterating that the issue is not of paramount importance for the Islamic Republic.

“Gaining a reputation for unilateral termination of air defense contracts that are purely for defensive purposes, would not set a good precedence, and Russians will not benefit from such decisions,” Vahidi asserted.

Vahidi also pointed out that Russians should abide by the terms and conditions set out in the contract, noting that under the sales deal Russians must deliver the defense systems.

“We will pursue the case through legal channels, and will also follow legal arrangements in a bid to materialize the provisions of the contract,” Vahidi insisted.

Under an 800-million-dollar contract signed in 2007, Russia was required to provide Iran with at least five S-300 systems.

However, the contract’s implementation was repeatedly delayed until the UN Security Council adopted US-engineered sanctions Resolution 1929 against Iran.

Following the UN action, Russian authorities began making conflicting statements about how the new sanctions would affect the contract.

Iran expressed its disappointment with Russia, saying that since Resolution 1929 does not specifically ban the delivery of defensive missiles, Moscow has no excuse for refusing to commit to the deal.

Source

Please wait...

Read More Stories About: Air Show, Defense, Iran, Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi, Kish Island, Persian Gulf, S-300

Did you like this information? Then please consider making a donation or subscribing to our Newsletter.

« Previous

Obama Runs Into the Limits of His Power in Asia

Iran caught shipping Weapons to terrorist group Boko Haram in Nigeria

Conversation Guidelines

Starting a conversation on our website is very easy, all you need to do is to write your name, email and the comment itself. No account is required to leave a comment. Your email won't be used for any purpose whatsoever, if you want, you can even write a fictitious email. Please keep it civil, try to refrain from slurs and insults. We offer Free Speech rights to our comment section but please take note that the comment section is moderated so certain comments may be held for moderation in case they triggered our automatic filters. If your comment is on hold for moderation and you can't see it anywhere there is no need to repost it. Don't worry, it doesn't mean it won't get approved. Please patiently wait and check back later.