Russia's swift lifting of sanctions on Iran is causing anxiety in the US.

(Baonghean) - Less than two weeks after a framework agreement on Iran's controversial nuclear program was reached with the P5+1 group, which includes Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin unexpectedly signed a decree lifting the ban on transferring S-300 anti-missile defense systems to Iran. According to observers, this move by Russia is a "preemptive step" in the race to gain advantages from Iran, following the possibility of international sanctions against the Islamic Republic being lifted at the end of June.

With an official announcement from the Kremlin, Russia has officially given the green light to lift the ban on missile exports to Iran. The announcement stated: “The lifting of the embargo includes transit through the territory of the Russian Federation (including by air); the lifting of the ban on the transfer of Russian S-300 air defense systems to the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Despite being close allies, Russia and Iran have had disagreements over the supply of S-300 air defense systems. In 2007, Russia signed a contract to sell five S-300 batteries to Iran worth $800 million. However, in 2010, Russia was forced to cancel the contract under pressure from the West, after the United Nations imposed sanctions on Iran related to its nuclear program.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (left) and Iranian Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan during a visit to Iran on January 20, 2015. (Source: yahoo.com)

UN Security Council Resolution 1929, issued in June 2010, stipulated a ban on the sale to Iran of “all types of battle tanks, armored combat vehicles, large-caliber artillery systems, fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, warships, missiles or missile systems as defined for the purposes of the UN Conventional Weapons Register.” Iran subsequently filed a case with the arbitration court in Geneva (Switzerland) against Russia’s Rosoboronexport for breach of contract. However, the contract was frozen until Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Iran at the end of January. Not only did Russia lift the ban on selling S-300 missile defense systems to Iran, but it also began supplying grain, equipment, and construction materials to Tehran in exchange for crude oil under a barter agreement.

Russia's swift action caught the US by surprise, inevitably leading to immediate criticism. Following the Russian announcement, both the US State Department and the White House issued statements. Lenta, on April 14th, quoted White House spokesman Josh Ernest as saying that Russia's lifting of the ban on selling S-300 missile defense systems to Iran could hinder Iran's nuclear program plans and the lifting of international sanctions against Tehran. In a previous phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State John Kerry also voiced his opposition to Russia's decision, despite the Russian Foreign Minister's assertion that the S-300 is a defensive system and does not threaten the security of any country in the region.

It's understandable that the US is impatient with the lifting of the missile embargo on Iran, as Russia will undoubtedly reap many benefits. Firstly, the lifting of the embargo is a clear indication that Russia is poised for a head start in the race to reap the benefits of the lifting of sanctions on Iran. That is, while the US is still striving to achieve a favorable outcome for Iran's nuclear program before the June 30 deadline, Russia has already taken a step ahead. Secondly, in the context of Russia still facing economic sanctions from the West related to the Ukraine crisis, large missile contracts like the one with Iran represent a significant source of revenue to bolster its domestic economy. And thirdly, not only will Russia strengthen its relationship with its ally Iran, but it also wants to prevent Iran and the US from drawing closer together after the nuclear issue is resolved.

Meanwhile, on the Iranian side, state media quoted Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan as welcoming the lifting of the ban on the sale of Russia's S-300 missile system, stating that the event would help "expand cooperation" and "create stability in the region." In fact, Iran had long awaited the resumption of this S-300 contract. For Tehran, possessing the S-300 air defense system would give the Islamic nation confidence in its defense, given the ever-strained relationship with Israel. According to analysts, this S-300 breakthrough would also help both Russia and Iran counter US intervention in the Middle East hotspot – a region where both Tehran and Moscow are pursuing strategies to establish their position and influence.

However, recent positive developments in the Iranian nuclear negotiations will partly benefit Russia and Iran, but on the other hand, they also create new challenges for both countries. For Russia, this is the risk of sanctions being eased on Iran, leading to greater openness to relations with the West, including the United States. This would mean Iran would move away from Russia's sphere of influence, something Moscow does not want. Tehran can be considered an ally of Russia, similar to Syria, with significant military, defense, and economic support from Moscow. But in this new context, strategic choices will inevitably be adjusted. Therefore, Iran will also have to make its own considerations, adjusting its relations with the West to "open up" its vast, sanctioned oil reserves, while ensuring that relations between Russia and Iran are not affected.

However, Russia's concerns were not unfounded, because immediately after Russia announced the lifting of the missile embargo against Iran, Tehran declared its readiness to supply natural gas to European countries. Despite both sides claiming this would not be a challenge or cause difficulties for each other, it is well known that Iran possesses the world's second-largest natural gas reserves, after Russia. Therefore, it is certain that after the Iranian nuclear issue is resolved, the world will witness major shifts in the alignment of relations not only in the Middle East but globally.

Phuong Hoa