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Iran claims to have S-300 surface-to-air missiles
Dudi Cohen, AP
Published: 04.08.10, 11:17
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1. Told ya. And I would bet anything right now they have more
Mark ,   Netherlands   (08.04.10)
Than just 4 batteries. I remember people making fun of me,where as it was obvious from day 1 that this whole fiasco was over nothing and the Russians had probably supplied iran with those missiles a lot earlier. After all,this is about a juicy contract. And please don't tell me this wont change anything,because if it wouldn't have,your PM,President and Defense minister would not have made several trips to Moscow to urge the russians not to sell these systems. Any one interested in a little betting?
2. S-300...so what....
RichinBoston ,   Boston USA   (08.04.10)
The S 300 has been around for many years. Not that a total of 4 such missiles would be close to game changing...but if they came by way of Belarus event the 4 are next to worthless.
3. #1 My dear! Here in Russia people need money
Hasan ,   Казань, РОССИЯ   (08.04.10)
So if any Yehudi Israeli comes and wants to buy missiles we will sell to him. How many young Russian girls, daughters of those spies,generals, engineers who were involved in selling missiles will go to holidays, buy nice shoes, enter Sushi restaurants,drive new Toyota car. Without selling S-300 surface-to-air missiles can be only dream, a big dream..
4. in 2006, israeli warship was hit near lebanon
Zico ,   Brazil   (08.04.10)
The iranians are nasty because they keep all their high tech weapons secret. Nobody would believe the low tech hezbollah could fire a surface to surface anti ship missile until an israeli warship got hit. All that I can say is that "pick a fight at your own risk".
5. Iran claims to have S-300 surface-to-air missiles
gregg bowman ,   Parksville, Canada   (08.04.10)
We are shaking in our boots! warmly, Gregg Bowman
6. Finally !
Gene G ,   Raleigh USA   (08.04.10)
Now Russia needs to honor their agreement and deliver the rest...with interest accrued.
7. re 2: Major different from old S-300 and newer S-300/400/500
Bloodyscot ,   Dallas. Texas   (08.04.10)
The newer S-300/400s radar are very hard to jam and SA-20/21 missile have many times the range with far better tracking abilities with stealth-chasing focused radar. Four S-300/400s would not stop US from bombing but could make Israel think twice about it.
8. Significant, maybe?
Moshe ,   Rehovot, Israel   (08.04.10)
The Iranians are fond of making announcements that nobody can verify. Four missiles or four batteries? There's a significant difference. Even if they did acquire them, it takes time to position them properly and learn how to use them. It's not like plugging in a toaster!
9. #8 Wrong,they were trained in Russia beforehand.
Mark ,   Netherlands   (08.04.10)
As reported by Debka. They got the training and were told how to use the device a while ago.
10. Anyone who think's Russia wasn't aware of this is way too
Bannister ,   US   (08.04.10)
Naive and a fool. The Russians had this staged to make it look like they were old batteries. I'm with Mark. They have probably received a lot more. Apart from that they also have the TOR M-1 system which is good in itself.
11. @ gregg bowman,is that why Both American and israeli
Peter ,   Vienna-Austria   (08.04.10)
Officials were literally begging the Russians not to sell that system to iran? Come on. Surely you were just joking with that comment of yours.
12. #1, lets wait for the denial from Russia then
Danny   (08.04.10)
13. When all is said and done...
Joey Rose ,   Portland   (08.04.10)
Iran is not going to win in any war with the West, missles or no missles. Inflict some damage, possibly, but nothing that will shift things in their favor.
14. What a surprise more threats from Iran
Mark from Georgia ,   USA   (08.04.10)
These guys are getting scared. They have make almost daily public threats against Israel. Interesting.
15. #13 Your already in the process of losing a war with the
Peter ,   Vienna-Austria   (08.04.10)
Afghans. How's that going on by the way? I hear you suffer losses every day. This is going to be another vietnam for you Joey. And if you don't know anything about that, I suggest you go ask a grown up.
16. A clean Russian job
Logios   (08.04.10)
It is normal in official sales of advanced arms that the buyer commits not to transfer or re-sell the systems to another party, for otherwise the seller loses control and the arms might reach an adversary. Belarus is close to Russia politically, and even depends on it in many ways. It is simply unthinkable that they would have transferred the missiles to Iran without Russian authorization. So here is how it worked: The Russians had a contract to sell the S-300 to Iran. They were pressured by the West not to deliver (even though this system is not included in the UN sanctions). For not delivering, the Russians were going to obtain some benefits from the West. On the other hand, the Iranians are good clients and it was important to keep them happy. What do you do? The compromise: Russia secretly allows Belarus and one or two more very good friends to transfer a small number of batteries to Iran. The Iranians are appreciative enough and Russia still keeps the option to sell more if the West doesn't deliver benefits. Incidentally, the US under Reagan authorized Israel to sell US missiles to Iran in order to overcome Congressional sanctions...
17. geo-political
MKL ,   U.S.A.   (08.04.10)
Russia is starting to burn for their mistakes, it will only get worse if they keep playing both sides. There is One who sees what they do in the dark. Do not be part of Israel’s demise or be ready to pay the price the Almighty One demands. Pakistan will suffer worse unless they turn Osama bin Laden over. Indonesia should stay out of this unless they desire to drown.
18. Prove It
Brazen   (08.04.10)
can you say ICBM. The iranian people will pay a heavy price for NOT taking your country back.
19. #15 Grown ups tell me...
Joey Rose ,   Portland   (08.04.10)
this won't be a ground war. Since all will be done by air or missle on specific sites, it more than likely spells the end of the Ahmadinejad regime, especially if nukes are employed to keep the world safe from demented tyrants.
20. #19 Your grown ups are deluded red necks.
Peter ,   Vienna-Austria   (08.04.10)
They had the same ideas back in the 60's and 70s in vietnam. Did it happen? Nope it didn't. And guess what,a bunch of moppets kicked your #@! way too hard. Its happening again already and this time in afghanistan. TEE HEE
21. :: Someone sold Iran a lemon or just a lie
Matty Groves ,   Fairport   (08.04.10)
With all the bragging coming from Iran non-stop it is hard to believe that they indeed obtained the S-300 at all. After Russia canceled the sale earlier this year Iran looked like a fool fully exposed and defenseless. They had to come up with a new hoax to save face, but that's all there is, a hoax, like all their other bombastic pronouncements of huge military technology achievements. On the nuclear front Iran still hasn't enriched one ounce of uranium. This is why now they are begging the West for 20% enriched uranium, under the cover of their usual bravado of doing a favor to the West by exchanging it with raw uranium.
22. :: #3 - What happened to your Arabic?
Matty Groves ,   Fairport   (08.04.10)
You must have forgotten how to spell Kazani in Arabic. It doesn't bode well for a Mongol who claims to be a Muslim. Arabs despise all of you Asiatics, Muslim or not.
23. :: #16 It is against Russia's own interest to sell S-300
Matty Groves ,   Fairport   (08.04.10)
to Iran. Russia cannot allow a Muslim country, and a crazy one, on it's border to have advanced military equipment that will eventually be used against infidel Russia. This is the most important detail that you fail to understand in your conspiratorial story about Russia's behavior. The scenario you describe may apply to another country but not in relationship to Iran.
24. It's done ,...
split ,   USA   (08.04.10)
Did they ever found out what happen to nuke warheads that were missing after USSR collabsed - Do you have any doubts that Iran have a dirty nukes ?
25. Agree 16 - Darn Ruskies ;) ,...
split ,   USA   (08.04.10)
26. Thatt's what your hasbara's is tryi to sell ,...
split ,   USA   (08.04.10)
to the world - Russians ain't stupid you know if they sell it they'll secure themself with program that'll exclude such a possibility. Can you tell us when Iran (last time)invaded it's neighbor ?
27. #23
John ,   Rotterdam   (08.04.10)
What you fail to understand is that Iran is not looking to be a world superpower, cuz they know they will never be one. You can't seriously believe that with a few nuclear missiles Iran will kill every "infidel" they can. If you do believe that, then I suggest going to a therapist for treatment of anxiety.
28. re 23,24: Not so clear cut in this case
Bloodyscot ,   Dallas, Texas   (08.04.10)
Russia had already signed a deal to sell them(defensive system) and Russia is helping to bring Iranian reactor online any day now. This also puts more pressure on Israel to sign peace deal. Iran reportedly has 2 soviet made nukes from black market and 2 N. Korea made nukes but Iran can not make their own nukes yet so they are not a nuclear power. 2 S-300s from Belarus and 2 others likely from China, Iran is also buying old designed S-300s from China for upgrading for possible gift to Hizbollah. These moves could make using aircraft riskier and force Israel into ground war, with Hizbollah stocking up on anti-tank missiles and anti-air/helicopter rockets.
29. Good news indeed.
Marco ,   Spain   (08.04.10)
30. Why, of course they do!
Sarah B ,   U.S.A. / Israel   (08.04.10)
Now all they have to do is hope and pray that they don't fall on Isfahan, Baghdad or Amman. Soviet workmanship is really pretty shoddy. Remember the SCUDs? Think this is any different? It isn't. If anything, it's worse. Tee-hee. Iran is for the dung heap of history. About time, too.
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