Iran not expected to receive Russian missile system this year - US
Washington, 26 July (IranVNC)—Iran is not expected to receive an advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile defense system this year, the Pentagon said yesterday, challenging an earlier assessment by Israeli defense officials.
By: IranVNC
Published: Saturday, July 26, 2008
13:05GMT—9:05AM/EST
IRAN – MISSILE – DEFENSE – US – RUSSIA
Washington, 26 July (IranVNC)—Iran is not expected to receive an advanced Russian anti-aircraft missile defense system this year, the Pentagon said yesterday, challenging an earlier assessment by Israeli defense officials.
Rueters reported an Israeli defense source as saying on Wednesday that Iran could receive the first shipment of S-300 missile batteries as early as September and that they could be operational in between six to 12 months. The missile batteries would make any Israeli or US air strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities more difficult.
But Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told Reuters yesterday: “We firmly believe, based upon our understanding of the situation, that the Iranians will not be receiving that Russian anti-aircraft system this year.”
US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates made similar comments on 9 July, saying it is “highly unlikely” that Iran would get hold of the Russian missile system “any time soon”.
Moscow earlier denied the existence of such a defense deal.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Iran has already procured several S-300 systems to protect its nuclear facilities, but notes it is uncertain whether the systems have already been supplied by Russia. It adds that the systems will probably be supplied to Iran via Belarus.
The U.S. and Israel have repeatedly stressed their desire for a diplomatic solution to Iran’s longstanding nuclear row, but say all options, including military action, are still on the table.
Source: Reuters, the Jerusalem Post
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