Russia announces readiness to sell S-400 missiles to Iran
Russia confirmed that it will discuss a contract to supply S-400 air defense missiles to Iran if it receives a request from Tehran.
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The missile launcher of the Russian S-400 complex deployed in 2017. Image:Sputnik. |
"We are always ready to hold discussions on the supply of S-400 Triumph air defense systems to countries, including Iran, especially since this system is not included in the list of prohibitions and restrictions of the UN Security Council Resolution issued on June 20, 2015," the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said on June 28.
The statement was made by Russia after Bloomberg, citing an anonymous source, said Tehran had sent a proposal to buy S-400 missiles to Moscow but was rejected by President Vladimir Putin. According to the source, the Kremlin boss seemed to be concerned that the appearance of the S-400 system on Iranian territory could increase tensions in the Middle East, get out of control and pose a risk of military conflict.
However, the Russian military said it has not yet received any requests from Iran regarding the S-400 purchase contract.
Tensions in the Gulf region continued to rise after Iran shot down a US reconnaissance drone in the Strait of Hormuz on June 20. President Donald Trump later said the US was ready to strike Iran in retaliation, but ordered the attack canceled due to concerns about the high number of casualties. Instead of military action, Washington increased pressure on Tehran by imposing additional economic sanctions on Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials.
Iranian military generals have declared that they will not bow to pressure from the US embargo and are ready to shoot down US UAVs if they continue to violate their country's airspace.
Defense relations between Moscow and Tehran have been strengthened over the years with a series of high-level meetings between the two countries' militaries, as well as many arms sales and military-technical cooperation contracts being implemented.
Iran purchased and deployed four S-300PMU-2 long-range air defense systems in 2015 after Russia lifted its arms embargo. This is one of the most powerful air defense systems in the world with the ability to detect stealth targets, and is also the foundation for Moscow to develop the S-400.