Ever since Russia decided not to sell Iran a powerful anti-aircraft missile, it's like the mullahs don't even recognize their old pals in Moscow. Now the Iranians feel like clubgoers who suffered through their favorite band's dive-bar days only to see the group turn slick and commercial in pursuit of stardom.
"They went and sold us out to our enemies by unilaterally canceling the agreement for which they have been paid," Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad whined about the Russians during a rally today.
It's easy to see why he's upset. Years ago, the Iranians inked an estimated $800 million deal to buy Russia's S-300 missiles, a weapon that can shoot down aircraft up to 200 kilometers away and strike fear into the hearts of Western pilots -- ideal for defending against airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. But in September, following a period of U.S. and Israeli cajoling, the Russians abruptly canceled the deal, citing the pretext of new United Nations Security Council sanctions on the Islamic Republic. (Not even the State Department argues that the sanctions actually prevent the missile sale.)
The Russians say they're going to return the Iranians' $166.8 million down payment. That's not good enough for the Iranians, who've made noises about suing Russia for breach of contract. But moments after denouncing the Russians, Ahmadinejad acted like the S-300 cancellation was no big deal.
"The Iranian nation will stand firm in the face of arrogance, for example the U.S. government," Ahmadinejad said. "The Iranian people do not need missiles to defend themselves." See? These fans, they're so fickle.
Photo: Novosti
See Also:
