Lavrov hints at more delays in S-300 delivery

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has made comments that hint at further delays in the delivery of the S-300 missile defense system to Iran.

“The fact is that there is a contract, there are questions that need to be settled before the contract can be executed,” said Lavrov, when asked when Russia would deliver the S-300 system to Iran.

“There are fundamental principles linked to the sale that we never, in accordance with our legislation, and according to our international obligations, take any actions that will lead to the destabilization of certain regions,” Reuters quoted Lavrov as saying on Wednesday.

Russia’s top diplomat said his comments did not refer only to the S-300 sale and hinted at the export by other countries of offensive weapons to Georgia by third countries.

“I never mentioned any political issues in the Middle East. I said there are certain principles we need to abide by when selling arms everywhere – Latin America, Middle East, the Caucasus region. We cannot sell weapons if that can lead to the destabilization of the regions in question,” said Lavrov.

The S-300 system, which can fire at aircraft 120 kilometers (75 miles) away, features high jamming immunity and is able to simultaneously engage up to 100 targets.