Russia's Stance Against Selling Iran S-300 Defense Systems

Iran announced Aug. 24 that it has filed a suit in the International Court of Justice to force Russia to sell it the S-300 strategic air defense system, per a 2007 contract between the two. Moscow has refused to sell Iran the system, citing U.N. sanctions against Tehran, though it has other political reasons for withholding sale of the system. Russia could change its mind about the sale, depending on negotiations with the West, and Iran's ability to acquire the S-300s from Russia cannot be ruled out.