Russia lifts ban on delivery of air-defense system to Iran

Associated Press

MOSCOW

President Vladimir Putin on Monday sanctioned the delivery of a highly capable Russian air-defense missile system to Iran, a game- changer move that would significantly bolster the Islamic republic’s military capability and fuel Israel’s concerns.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry objected to Moscow’s decision in a phone call to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and the White House indicated the move could endanger plans to ultimately lift sanctions on Iran as part of a proposed nuclear deal.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said unity and coordination with nations such as Russia is critical to the success of the negotiations. Washington has said Moscow played a constructive role in the Iranian nuclear talks, despite sharp differences between Russia and the West over Ukraine.

Putin’s move was quickly welcomed by Tehran, while it worried Israel, which saw it as a sign that Iran already had begun to cash in on the emerging nuclear deal with world powers that is expected to be finalized by the end of June.

Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the missile system could be shipped to Iran at any moment.