‘Iran did not receive S-300 from Belarus’

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF AND AP

Western intelligence sources dismiss Teheran’s claims it has 4 of the anti-aircraft systems.

Iran did not procure S-300s missile systems from Belarus or anyone else, Channel 2 reported on Sunday night.

The report quoted Western intelligence sources, who it said had checked into Iran’s claims to have obtained the sophisticated Russian-made missile defense systems.

Last week, a semi-official Iranian news agency claimed Teheran had obtained four S-300 surface-to-air missile systems despite Russia’s refusal to deliver them under a valid contract.

The Fars news agency, which has ties to the Revolutionary Guard, said Iran received two systems from Belarus and two others from another unspecified source. Fars didn’t elaborate, and there was no official confirmation of the report.

Russia signed a contract in 2007 to sell the S-300s to the Islamic Republic, but so far has not delivered them. The sophisticated anti-aircraft missiles would significantly boost Iran’s ability to defend against air strikes and Israel and the United States have strongly objected to the deal.

A spokesman for Belarus’ state military trade committee denied that any missiles had been transferred.

“Talks with the Iranian side about the delivery of such systems have not taken place and, consequently, no deliveries to Iran have taken place, neither of these systems or elements of them,” Vladimir Lavrenyuk said on Wednesday. “The Belarusian side strictly observes all international agreements on export control.”

The S-300 anti-aircraft missile system is considered the most advanced in the world.