Christian Science Monitor:
Russia informed Iran Monday it would soon make good on the long-overdue delivery of a sophisticated air defense system, a sign that Tehran is already reaping the benefits of international negotiations over its nuclear program.
For Iran, the lifting of international sanctions is central to the high-stakes diplomatic standoff over curbing its nuclear ambitions. While an agreement is supposed to be finalized by June 30, how and when to lift the sanctions remains a stubborn sticking point.
But for Russia, the interim agreement reached earlier this month in Lausanne, Switzerland between Iran and the so-called P5+1 world powers was all it needed to abolish a ban on supplying Tehran with the sophisticated S-300 missile system, which is designed to intercept warplanes and ballistic missiles at a range of up to 150 kilometers (93 miles).
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree lifting the ban Monday, Reuters reported. The move, which significantly bolsters Iran’s military capability, also may signal Moscow’s push for a head start in the race to benefit from the possible opening up of the Islamic republic.
“It was done in the spirit of good will in order to encourage progress in talks,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a televised statement. “We are convinced that at this stage there is no longer need for such an embargo, specifically for a separate, voluntary Russian embargo.”
The $800 million deal to supply the S-300 missile system, which is similar to the US Patriot missile system, was signed in 2007…
