Russia continues its role, seeking to impact events as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, befriending the US and other Western nations, but Moscow remains equally active in its other role, a major supplier of weapons to nations like Iran and Syria, who threaten the very principles represented by the Western allies.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is currently in Russia, seeking support for crippling sanctions against Iran and trying to work with the Russians to halt weapons supplies to Israel’s enemies. As the prime minister was taking off for Moscow, the Kremlin released a message on Sunday that it sees no reason to delay the sale of advanced anti-aircraft systems to Iran; systems that Moscow fully understands would complicate an IAF or American air strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Moscow insists there is a contract for the S-300 system and it remains bound by that contract.

Officials in Russia’s National Security Agency explain the weapons system is strictly defensive and therefore, sanctions against Iran do not compel Russia to call off the deal. According to Russian experts, the S-300 is far more advanced than the American Patriot system and it is capable of responding to incoming missiles from a greater distance than the American system. Such a system would effectively complicate any planned military attack against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The deal for the S-300 system was signed in 2007 but to date, no deliveries have been made and Russia has not offered any explanations as to why. Analysts speculate the pressure from the United States and Israel has resulted in the delays in shipping the system.

The Russians feel any military action against Iran would be a major error that would “explode” the entire Mideast situation. The Russians remain opposed and feel a military assault will bring much support for Iran’s position.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)