Pentagon opposes Russian move to sell missiles to Iran
April 14, 2015 01:30
The US military expressed concern today after Russia lifted its ban on supplying its advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Iran.
"Our opposition to these sales is long and public. We believe it's unhelpful," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steve Warren told reporters.
"We are raising that through the appropriate diplomatic channels," he said.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting a self-imposed ban on supplying the missile system to the Islamic republic.
In doing so, he pre-empted the possible future lifting of sanctions against Iran if it agrees on an accord to limit its nuclear programme.
Warren said it was not immediately clear whether Putin's decision was in itself a violation of previously agreed international sanctions.
While not the most sophisticated of Russia's missile systems, the S-300 would bolster Iran's defenses against any attack on its nuclear sites.
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