To those speculating that these news mean that Russia is giving a go ahead to any attack on Iran - it's not happening. Russia may have backed out of the S-300 deal to foster better relations with US and Israel, but it does not mean that it changed its overall stance on Iran.

Fact is, that Russia is strongly against any attack on Iran, or any other Central Asian/Middle East nation. This is not because the Russian government supports the Iranian regime, but because it does not want to see US influence and control in region expanded. The US and Israeli actions are highly destabilizing to the region. As far as Iran goes, all Russia wants is to retain a status quo in respect to US influence.

Notice how Russia started cooperating with Iran more and more as US invaded Afghanistan and Iraq. The invasion of Iraq in particular was the spark that set this whole thing off, and since then Russia has been very cautious about the intentions of the US War on Terror. And America's aggressive rhetoric towards Iraq ever since has not helped. In order to regain Russia's trust (and that of many other nations), the US must demonstrate that it no longer has hostile intentions and no longer wants to expand its empire into Central Asia.



So no - Russia will not support any military action against Iran, at least for the time being. But it has shown that it is willing to reciprocate US' concessions. In military terms, the S-300 does not change much as far as Iran's defense goes. Iran may whine about Russia backing out of the sale, but as of now it has nothing to worry about. The US cannot attack Iran, nor can Israel. Even bombing of select targets is out of the question (invasion would be next to impossible). Initiation of any military actions against Iran will have very serious ramifications for the region and US/Israel's interests there for decades to come. The threat that Iran poses now is nothing compared to the threat that it may pose in case such an attack occurs.


So in summary this news only demonstrates that Russia is willing to have dialogue with the US on certain foreign policy issues. As for Iran - it is not really in a position to warn Russia. It holds nothing over Russia, and has no bargaining power with it. Iran may turn to China to buy similar SAM systems, but it is questionable if China is willing to sell to them.

Originally posted by mmiichael
The Russians have been pleased to sell of their out-dated technologies and sub-standard quality weaponry to Iran

What out-dated and sub-standard weaponry Russia is selling lately? If the S-300 is out-dated and sub-standard then why all the commotion around it? If it is an old system, does not mean it is not capable in modern warfare. The Taliban are managing to push back against US with Ak's and home made explosives. The S-300 by itself may not be of much use to Iran against a powerhouse like the US, but it is hardly obsolete technology.

[edit on 16-11-2009 by maloy]