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Russia To Deliver Iran Defense System

By The Media Line news agency

Russia will soon begin delivering a sophisticated defense system to Iran, despite opposition to the transaction from Israel and the United States.

Moscow is supplying Iran with the S-300 air defense system, which could ward off any potential attack on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Ismail Kosari, the deputy head of the Iranian parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Security committee, said the system was finalized after several years of negotiations, according to the state-run news agency IRNA.

Kosari did not specify when the delivery would begin.

In the meantime, Moscow is staying quiet on the matter, although there were unofficial reports last week that the contract was being implemented.

Iran's acquisition of the S-300 is a source of concern for Israel and the United States, both of which have not ruled out a military strike against Iran.

The S-300 is an anti-missile and anti-aircraft surface-to-air system. The most advanced version can intercept missiles and aircraft from more than 120 kilometers (75 miles) away.

Israel sent a senior defense official to Moscow last week to explain Israel's position on the deal, and to persuade the Russians to cancel the deal.

Kosari said Israel was trying to "create obstacles" for Iran's progress and said Israel would not succeed in damaging the warm relations between Tehran and Moscow.

Iran has been under international pressure for more than six years over its nuclear program, which Western countries suspect is being used to covertly build nuclear bombs.

Iran denies the program has any military aspect and insists it is for the peaceful purposes of producing nuclear energy.

Diplomatic pressure and sanctions have so far not stopped Iran from continuing its uranium enrichment activities.

Russia has existing economic and defense deals with several countries in the Middle East, including Iran. Moscow is helping Iran build the Bushehr nuclear facility, which is expected to be operational by early 2009.

Moscow is exerting increasing influence in the Middle East through weapons deals, political clout and economic agreements. Though analysts say talks of a renewed Cold War are far-fetched, the U.S. is concerned about Russia's relationship with countries that are U.S. foes, such as Iran and Syria.

(c) 2008. The Media Line Ltd. All Rights Reserved.