Missile deal between Russia and Iran challenges US influence in Mideast

As the US seeks to minimize its involvement in the chaos and instability of the Middle East, Russia is seeking to fill any vacuum it can.

 

The US has taken more of a background role in the conflicts spreading across the region, providing logistical and intelligence support to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen, conducting air raids against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, and staying out of the civil war in Libya. In all cases, the Obama administration is being careful not to get too involved or commit to troops on the ground.

 

The news on Monday that Russia was paving the way to resume missile system deliveries to Iran and starting an oil-for-goods swap signaled that Moscow may have a head start in the race to benefit from an eventual lifting of sanctions on Tehran. The sanctions relief is part of an interim deal world powers reached with Iran this month on curbing its nuclear program.

 

The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree ending a self-imposed ban on delivering the S-300 anti-missile rocket system to Iran, removing a major irritant between the two countries after Moscow canceled a corresponding contract in 2010 under pressure from the West and Israel.

 

Read More: Missile deal between Russia and Iran challenges US influence in Mideast – Middle East – Jerusalem Post