Russiahas rejected an Iranian request to buyS-400 missile defense systems,concerned
that the sale would stoke more tension in the Middle East.
The request was rebuffed byPresident Vladimir Putinon
condition of anonymity because they’re not authorized to discuss the
matter.Iranian
Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarifvisited Moscow May
7. Russia’s Foreign Ministrydidn’t
reply to a requestfor comment, and Iranian officials
couldn’t be reached for a response.
US
Sanctions:
The US recentlyimposed more anti-Iranian sanctionsand
sent an aircraft carrier and bombers to the Gulf over what it described as a
threat of attack from Iran on its forces and allies.
Russia’s reaction to Iran’s request reflects the
delicate balance of power in the Persian Gulf, where a showdown is brewing
between the Islamic Republic on one hand, and the U.S. and its Gulf Arab allies
on the other. President Donald Trump agreed to send more U.S. troops to the
region after the U.S. blamed Iran for attacks on Saudi oil installations as
well as four ships.
