Kremlin Reconsiders Iran Missiles -- Wall Street Journal/AP
Israeli Leader Says Promise Was Made at Black Sea Talks
MOSCOW -- The Kremlin has promised to reconsider its planned delivery of air defense missiles to Iran, which Israel and the U.S. fear could be used to protect Tehran's nuclear facilities, Israeli President Shimon Peres said Wednesday.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev made the pledge during their talks Tuesday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, said Mr. Peres.
"President Medvedev gave a promise he will reconsider the sales of S-300s because it affects the delicate balance which exists in the Middle East," Mr. Peres said. A Kremlin spokesman declined to comment on Mr. Peres's statement.
Read more ....
Update #1: Israel Says Russia May Reconsider Plans to Sell Missiles to Iran -- New York Times
Update #2: Russia may nix S-300 sale to Iran -- UPI
Update #3: Russia to reconsider sale of missiles to Iran - Israel -- Reuters
My Comment: The Russians are going to send the S-300 system to Iran. They want a toehold in Iran .... and they will lose face if they renege on this agreement. The question is when this system (with its Russian advisers) are sent .... not if.
I am speculating here .... but I believe one possible reason why the S-300 system has not been sent to Iran (already) was that someone in Moscow decided to use this sale as a negotiating tool with the Americans on the issue of missile defense. A quid pro quo between the two nations .... but the U.S. is not biting.
No comments:
Post a Comment