Israel Matzav

Moscow changes its mind: Says sanctions bar S-300 sale

Russia has now decided that the sanctions adopted by the UN Security Council on Wednesday ban the sale by Russia to Iran of the S-300 anti-missile system.

The new UN sanctions prevent Russia from delivering S-300 air-defense missiles to Iran, a Kremlin official said Friday, in a reversal of the position announced by Russia's Foreign Ministry the day before.

The Kremlin statement was sure to please Israel and the United States, which have long urged Russia not to supply the powerful missile system. Russia signed a deal to sell the missiles in 2007, but has delayed their delivery.

The UN Security Council resolution passed Wednesday bans Iran from developing ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, investing in nuclear-related activities and buying certain types of heavy weapons.

The Kremlin official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the S-300 falls under these sanctions.

The UN resolution does not specifically prohibit Russia from supplying the S-300, the US State Department spokesman said. "However, for the first time, the resolution calls for states to exercise vigilance and restraint in the sale or transfer of all other arms and related materiel," spokesman P.J. Crowley told reporters in Washington. "We appreciate Russia's restraint in the transfer of the S-300 missile system to Iran."

This distinction may help explain the initial confusion.

Here's betting the Russians find a way to say they're allowed to sell Iran the S-300 if (when?) the US Congress passes sanctions against Iran's oil industry that don't exempt Russia.

What could go wrong?

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:26 AM