Iran official says sanctions do not bar Russia from delivering S-300 missiles

Iran: Sanctions do not ban S-300 Russian missiles

DAMASCUS, Syria — A senior Iranian official said Thursday that new U.N. sanctions do not ban Russia from delivering sophisticated air defense missiles to Iran as agreed under a 2007 contract, countering the Russian stance.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani said the contract for delivery of the powerful S-300 air defense missiles to Iran was concluded before the U.N. Security Council approved new sanctions last month.

“The contract for Russian S-300 missiles was concluded before last U.N. Security Council (resolution). It is an old contract, therefore it has nothing to do with the … (new) resolution. Moreover, it is a defensive weapon,” Larijani told reporters on a visit to Damascus.

Last month, the Russian government said the new U.N. sanctions prevent Russia from delivering S-300 missiles to Iran.

Speaking to reporters in Damascus on Thursday, Larijani denied any tension between Iran and Russia but added there were some “fluctuations” in Russia’s position toward Iran.

Russia supported a fourth round of U.N. sanctions imposed last month to curtail Iran’s nuclear program, because of concerns it is developing weapons. Iran insists its nuclear development program is for peaceful goals.

But Russia criticized additional U.S. and EU sanctions against Iran, hitting more than three dozen additional companies and individuals. Russia said the West went too far with additional penalties.

Israel and the United States have long urged Russia not to give Iran the powerful ground-to-air missile system. Russia signed a deal to sell the missiles in 2007 but delayed their delivery even before the latest sanctions were approved.

The truck-mounted S-300 missiles can target aircraft, low-flying cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, according to weapons experts.

Larijani said at the news conference in Damascus Thursday that the new U.N. sanctions would affect his country “very little.”

He also said the U.S. would not attack Iran because of its bitter experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The U.S. language of arrogance has come to an end. It has cost the Americans a lot,” Larijani said.