Benjamin Netanyahu to Putin: S-300 missile sale to Iran undermines Middle East

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that the sale of S-300 missile systems to Iran would only strengthen its aggressive behavior and undermine the Middle East.

 

The two leaders spoke by telephone on Tuesday, just one day after Russia ended its voluntary five-year ban on the delivery of the system, which would help strengthen Iran against a military attack.

 

Russia said that in light of the framework agreement between Iran and the six world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program, the ban was no longer necessary. Iran could receive the S-300 by the end of the year.

 

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon said Russia’s decision was proof that the Iranian nuclear deal was dangerous.

 

“The sale of advanced weapons to Iran is the result of the dangerous agreement that is emerging between Iran and the [six world] powers,” Netanyahu said. “After this arms deal [for the S-300], is there anyone who can seriously claim that the [framework] agreement with Iran will increase the security in the Middle East?” For over a month, Israel has warned that the framework agreement the parties reached in Lausanne, Switzerland, earlier this month would strengthen Iran militarily.

 

Read More: Benjamin Netanyahu to Putin: S-300 missile sale to Iran undermines Middle East – Israel News – Jerusalem Post