Russian military confirm Iran S-300 missile sale is off

A top Russian general has confirmed that a sale of S-300 air defence missiles to Iran will not go ahead because of UN sanctions.

Gen Nikolai Makarov, head of the general staff, told reporters the missiles were “definitely” subject to new sanctions introduced in June.

At the time, Russia’s foreign minister said the S-300 deal was not affected.

Possession of S-300 systems would enhance Iran’s defence of its nuclear facilities against attack from the air.

“The decision has been taken not to supply S-300 [systems] to Iran,” Gen Makarov said at Ramenskoye airport outside Moscow.

“They are definitely subject to sanctions.”

Asked if Russia had torn up its contract with Iran, he replied: “We’ll see. That will depend on how Iran behaves.”

Back in June Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that a fourth round of sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council on Iran over its nuclear programme would not affect the S-300 contract.

However, shortly afterwards, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was quoted by French media as saying the sale had been suspended.

There has long been speculation that Israel may attempt to bomb Iranian facilities to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, insisting that its programme is purely civilian.