Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his government on Wednesday to send five high-tech surface-to-air missile defense systems to Iran, a move intended in part to put a stop to Tehran’s $4 billion lawsuit over a contract dispute.
The shipment includes five S300VM Antey-2500 missile systems, United Press International reported.
Iran’s ambassador to Russia, Seyed Mahmoud Reza Sajadi, welcomed the announcement and said his country now will drop its lawsuit, which stems from a 2007 agreement. Then, Russia promised to give the country five missile defense systems that were modified versions of the S300 types. After Russia reneged, Iran sued.
On Wednesday, Mr. Putin also said Russia will honor its previously forged deal to help construct a second nuclear power facility in Bushehr, UPI reported.
The announcement comes on the heels of Russia’s recent transfer of several S-300 missile defense systems to Syria.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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