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Sun, Oct 03, 2010 | The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center

S-300 anti-aircraft missiles

Iranian Press Resumes Attacks On Russia For Dropping S-300 Deal

Russia’s announcement last week that it does not intend to supply S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran and the decree signed by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, banning the sale of tanks, missile and cannon systems, fighter aircraft, military helicopters, and vessels to Iran, have triggered an outcry of criticism of Russia in Iranian press.

An editorial published by the conservative daily Jomhuri-ye Eslami said that Russia’s policy towards Iran demonstrated once again that it could not be trusted. The Russian announcement, the editorial says, is yet another example of its conduct, reflected in delaying the completion of the Bushehr nuclear reactor, supporting Security Council resolutions for sanctions against Iran, and supporting Iraq in its war against Iran in the ‘80s.

Russia’s latest decision indicates that the Russians are coordinating their policy with the US in order to exert pressure on Iran and playing with Iran to gain more concessions from the US. Iranian law, morals, and interests have fallen victim to the shady deals struck between Russia and the US. According to the daily, Russia’s decision gives the Iranian people the right not to trust it anymore and demand that the government of Iran reconsider its relations with Russia (Jomhuri-ye Eslami, September 25).

Asr-e Iran, a website affiliated with the pragmatic conservative bloc, also strongly criticized Russia for its decision not to supply the anti-aircraft system to Iran. A commentary article published on the website says that the decision came as no surprise to those who have been following Russia’s behavior towards Iran throughout history, since Russia has repeatedly violated its obligations to Iran. It is now clear that the Russians are playing both sides of the fence, and the whole world understands that the former great power is not interested in world peace and security or welfare and safety for its citizens. Instead, it is interested in pursuing the interests of the defense officials and oil tycoons who rule it.

History has proven that the Russians are even worse than the Americans and the Britons who, unlike Iran’s northern neighbor, have on several occasions acted for the good of the Iranian people (Asr-e Iran, September 23).

The Iranian English-language daily Tehran Times accused Russia of yielding to pressure exerted by the “Zionist regime”, claiming that the Russians are willing to sacrifice their long-term interests, which lie in continuing their cooperation with Iran, for short-term profits (Tehran Times, September 24).

Meanwhile, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of the Majles National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, has issued a warning this week that if Russia goes back on the S-300 deal, Iran will take legal action against it. Speaking to journalists, Boroujerdi said Iran is hoping that Russia will act in accordance with its obligations to avoid risking its reputation in the Middle East and in the world, but if it does violate the agreement it made with Iran, it will have to pay damages (ISNA, September 26).