Failure to deliver missile system damages Russia's image: Iranian MP

An Iranian lawmaker said that Russia's failure to deliver S-300 air defense missile system to Iran will damage its international image, the local satellite Press TV reported on Sunday.

"The move will inflict heavy damage to Russia's prestige... which is not appropriate for its international image," Mohammad Karim Abedi, a member of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), was quoted as saying.

Russia's decision to halt the delivery of the missile system shows that Russia is affected by the Israeli lobby, he said.

The National Security and Foreign Policy Commission insists on compensation over Russia's unilateral decision to refrain from delivering the S-300 system to Iran, Abedi said, emphasizing that the Islamic Republic should restore its rights.

The lawmaker warned that any "inappropriate" move with regard to the missile system would affect Russia's interactions with Iran and other countries as well.

Iran inked a deal with Russia to purchase the S-300 weaponry systems in 2007, however, Russia scrapped plans to deliver S-300 missile systems to Iran as it falls under the UN sanctions, Russian Chief of General Staff Nikolai Makarov said in September.

The S-300 is an advanced mobile missile system which can shoot down aircraft and cruise missiles from up to 150 km away.

Source: Xinhua