Russia Transfer of S-300 Missile System to Iran Continues to Trouble US

The United States continues to have concerns about Russia’s sale and potential delivery of a defensive weapons system to Iran even though the transaction does not violate any UN resolutions, US State Department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Moscow could finalize a deal to deliver S-300 missile defense systems to Tehran as early as this week, Iranian officials said earlier on Tuesday.

"We continue to have concerns about the transfer of the S-300," Kirby said.

The spokesperson went on, "The transfer of this defensive system to Iran is not prohibited under UN security council resolutions."

Russian has been helpful in negotiations with Iran, Kirby added, but the US objects to sending surface-to-air missiles to a regime in Tehran that "continues to conduct nefarious activities," including supporting terrorism across the Middle East.

In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on S-300 deliveries shortly after the P5+1 group of international negotiators and Iran reached a framework nuclear agreement.