The chief of Russia's general staff says Russia has dropped plans to supply Iran with S-300 missiles because they are subject to international sanctions.
Nikolai Makarov was quoted as saying that "a decision has been taken not to supply the S-300 to Iran. They undoubtedly fall under sanctions," in an apparent reference to UN sanctions.
Makarov, however, did not give a definitive answer when asked whether the missile contract itself had been scrapped.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously said that the S-300 missile supplies would not be affected by UN sanctions against Iran, agreed in June, that imposed broader military and financial restrictions on the Islamic republic.
Russia agreed the missile deal several years ago but has not delivered the weapons amid pressure from the United States and Israel, which fear they would dramatically improve Iran's defensive capabilities.
compiled from agency reports
Nikolai Makarov was quoted as saying that "a decision has been taken not to supply the S-300 to Iran. They undoubtedly fall under sanctions," in an apparent reference to UN sanctions.
Makarov, however, did not give a definitive answer when asked whether the missile contract itself had been scrapped.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had previously said that the S-300 missile supplies would not be affected by UN sanctions against Iran, agreed in June, that imposed broader military and financial restrictions on the Islamic republic.
Russia agreed the missile deal several years ago but has not delivered the weapons amid pressure from the United States and Israel, which fear they would dramatically improve Iran's defensive capabilities.
compiled from agency reports