Iranians taunt U.S., Israel with newly purchased missile defense system
As if to show what President Barack Obama and his cohorts helped purchase for the Iranian people thanks to the controversial nuclear weapons deal that released over $100 billion of Iran’s frozen assets, Iran on Sunday celebrated their missile defense breakthrough.
Iran’s military displayed part of the Russian-made S-300 air defense missile system in a military parade in Tehran, held to mark National Army Day. A portion of the S-300 missile system was unveiled in the massive parade south of Tehran, also attended by foreign military attachés from Russia, India and other nations.
Head of the Strategic Research Center of Iran’s Expediency Council Ali Akbar Velayati said the Russian’s move to deliver the sophisticated S-300 air defense system demonstrated the close cooperation between the two nations.
“The delivery of the S-300 defense system displays serious cooperation between Iran and Russia,” Velayati told reporters after a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Tehran on Sunday.
“Iran-Russia cooperation is in its starting point,” he stated, adding, “Our cooperation with Russia on Syria and the fight against terrorism and Takfiri (extremist) groups was very significant.”
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also spoke of the new Iran-Russia ties, adding that the two countries’ cooperation will significantly help the establishment of peace and security in the region.
During Sunday’s festivities Iran displayed part of the Russian-made S-300 air defense missile system in a military parade in Tehran, held to mark the Islamic Republic’s National Army Day.
The gear unveiled in the ceremony included 2 radar systems of S-300, its carrier and command vehicles as well as the crane for lifting its missiles.
With regard to ties with India, Velayati said Tehran and New Delhi enjoy great capacities for bilateral, regional and international cooperation. He said India needs Iran’s energy resources and Tehran attaches no limitation to its cooperation with India in scientific, trade and economic fields. While no mention of nuclear weapons was made during meetings between the Iranians and Indians, the nation of India is part of the now less-exclusive “Nuclear Weapons Club.”
The United States and Israel are concerned over the missile systems, fearing they could upset the balance of military power in the region and make any strikes against possible nuclear weapons facilities very difficult using airpower.
