WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — In April 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on the sale of S-300s to the Islamic Republic after Tehran had agreed on a framework accord with a group of international negotiators to dismantle parts of its nuclear infrastructure in exchange for the easing of sanctions.
Russia’s decision, however, has been criticized by Israel and the West amid concerns that the shipments could increase tensions in the region, although US President Barack Obama said he was surprised the deal was suspended for so long, given that the defensive S-300s were not covered by the UN embargo.
"We thought that the decision to deliver those kinds of weapons was not helpful at all for the [negotiating] process, and were a deplorable decision, but also let me remind you this was not a decision that violated the arms embargo so it was not something that violated international law,” Wittig said.
"It has always been very important to have the Russians and Chinese on board [on the negotiations], to show that it is not the West ganging [up] against Iran," Araud said.
"The Russians and the Chinese have been really perfect loyal negotiators in this process and they are still. They are really doing their part of the job."
The final agreement between Tehran and six world powers due by the end of June is expected to open the way for Russian arms deliveries.
