Russia starts S-300 surface-to-air missile systems delivery to IranNovember 24, 2015 - 17:16 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia has started delivering S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran, the latter’s ambassador to Moscow Mehdi Sanaei said, according to RT. Iran is thus getting one of the latest versions of the air defense systems. The news was not welcome in Washington, with the U.S. State Department spokesperson Mark Toner reiterating the country’s stance on the issue in a briefing on Monday, November 23. Russia and Iran earlier signed a contract for Moscow to supply Tehran with S-300 surface-to-air missile systems. "S-300, the air defense system, the contract has already been signed," Sergei Chemezov, the chief executive of Russian state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec was quoted as saying at the Dubai Airshow. A nuclear deal signed between Iran and world powers earlier this deal has put Sunni-ruled Gulf monarchies on edge: they fear Tehran's rapprochement with the West will allow it to pursue an expansionist agenda in the region. Chemezov said Gulf countries had no reason to feel threatened by the deal. "This is defense equipment. And we are ready to offer this defense equipment to any country," Chemezov later told Reuters in Dubai, speaking through interpreters. "So if the Gulf countries are not going to attack Iran ... why should they be threatened? Because this is defense equipment." He said that Saudi Arabia, arch-rival of Iran, had approached his firm "several times" requesting that it not deliver the equipment. "Five years ago ... even now, up to now ... And we said that the S-300 is not capable to attack ... to reach the neighboring countries." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. U.S. believes peace is “possible” in South Caucasus The United States continues to believe that peace is possible in the South Caucasus, Vedant Patel said. Government reveals details from Pashinyan’s meeting in border village Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with a group of residents of a border village in Armenia’s northern Tavush province Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. |