A former Iranian deputy parliament speaker has openly criticized Russia for failing to deliver the S-400 air defense system to Iran, despite Tehran supplying drones to Moscow for use in the Ukraine conflict.
Ali Motahari made the remarks on Monday, accusing Russia of giving the advanced S-400 system to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but not to Iran. According to Motahari, Russia fears that Iran might use the weapons against Israel, complicating the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He wrote on the social media platform X, “Russia has given the S-400 air defense system to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but does not give it to Iran, which has provided it with drone assistance in the war with Ukraine, because it might be used against Israel.”
Motahari added, “This is what the strategic cooperation with Iran that Mr. Putin talks about looks like.”
The S-400 is a highly advanced Russian missile defense system capable of tracking and destroying enemy aircraft and missiles. Iran’s criticism exposes tensions between Moscow and Tehran despite their cooperation in the Ukraine war.
This development raises questions about the future of military and political ties between the two nations.
