Sunday, March 6, 2016

Russia freezes Iran missile sale following Israeli pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin has frozen missiles bound for Iran amid Israeli protest of the sale, the Kuwaiti paper Al-Jarida reports.

According to the report, an order of S-300 heavy surface-to-air missiles purchased by Iran has been put on hold by the Russian leader following talks with Israeli officials.

Israel criticized the sale, claiming that at least some of the S-300 missiles would likely fall into the hands of the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon. The presence of long-range anti-aircraft missiles along Israel’s border would threaten both military and civilian flights inside Israel.

According to Al-Jarida, Russia halted the shipment of the missiles after Israel provided evidence that other surface-to-air missiles sold by Russia to Iran had ended up in Hezbollah’s hands.

Russian pilots operating in the area confirmed Israel’s claims, positively identifying SA-22 missile batteries in Hezbollah-controlled territory in Lebanon. (READ MORE)