Iran warns Russia over S-300 program

TEHRAN, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The relationship between Moscow and Tehran could be damaged if the Kremlin does not move on deliveries of the S-300 missile defense system, lawmakers said.

Moscow and Tehran signed a contract in 2007 for the delivery of the S-300 missile defense system that Iran sees as a deterrent to a possible Israeli strike on its nuclear sites.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, the head of the national security and foreign policy committee in the Iranian Parliament, said any hesitation on the deal ran counter to bilateral interests, state-funded broadcaster Press TV reports.

"Given the extensive bilateral cooperation between the two countries, it would run counter to Russia's interests if negotiations fail to bear fruit in this matter," he said.

Moscow said it was moving ahead with the deal in October, though Press TV cites "interminable confusing" as a source for delay. It has been reported that Saudi Arabia offered Moscow $2.8 billion in military purchases if the Kremlin scraps the Iranian deal.

Boroujerdi stressed that if Moscow reneged on its promises, "a negative point in the two states' relations would emerge."

The S-300V system, NATO codename SA-12 Giant, can engage multiple targets simultaneously and shoot down aircraft and missiles at a range of around 100 miles.