Russia Lifts Iran Missile Ban; Critics Say 'Bad Idea'

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Both Israel and the United States are concerned about Russia's recent announcement to sell its S-300 missile defense system to Iran. Some analysts say the move could affect the Obama administration's plan to lift economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The S-300 is one of Russia's most sought-after weapons. With a range of up to 125 miles, it can simultaneously track and strike down multiple targets, intercept cruise missiles and bring down jet fighters.

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz warned that Russia's lifting of the five-year-old ban is proof the international deal on Iran's nuclear program would only strengthen its military.

"Instead of demanding that Iran desist from the terrorist activity that it is carrying out in the Middle East and throughout the world, it is being allowed to arm itself with advanced weapons that will only increase its aggression," Steinitz said.

Russia's decision, he said, shows that lifting sanctions will only free up money for armaments and not be used to help the Iranian people.

Meanwhile, Russia insists the framework agreement effectively lifts the 2010 U.N. Security Council resolution banning the sale of missiles that would enhance Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities. Russia insisted then and now that a missile defense system doesn't pose a threat to Israel.

"We are convinced that at this stage, there is no longer need for such an embargo," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

Russia said Iran needs the system because of tensions in the region, including in Yemen.

"The S-300 is exclusively a defensive weapon, which cannot serve offensive purposes and will not jeopardize the security of any country, including, of course, Israel," Lavrov said.

But both the United States and Israel object to the sale of the missile system. Israel fears the missiles would protect Iran's nuclear installations from an airstrike, thereby enabling it to develop nuclear weapons unimpeded.

A Wall Street Journal editorial stated, "The Kremlin is offering the mullahs an air-defense capability so sophisticated that it would render Iran's nuclear installations far more difficult and costly to attack."

The U.S. State Department agreed.

"We don't believe it's constructive at this time for Russia to move forward with this," State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said.

Russia's move comes as Congress is directly challenging the White House over the proposed nuclear deal.

The Senate is considering a bill that would give Congress the last say over any final nuclear agreement with Iran.

"At least after two-and-a-half years of negotiations, the Congress should have 60 days to be able to review probably the most significant nuclear non-proliferation agreement of our time," said Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J.

A Senate committee vote on the bill is expected Tuesday.

The Iranian nuclear deal is supposed to be finalized by June 30.