Iraq is in negotiations with Russia to purchase the advanced S-300 air defense system, Baghdad’s ambassador to Iran said Monday, according to reports in Arab and Russian media.
An Iraqi lawmaker said over the weekend that talks were underway for the more expensive S-400 system, according to Sputnik, but it is possible that cash-strapped Iraq is opting for the value option.
Iraq has previously balked at purchasing the system, fearing US sanctions. However, Baghdad has begun to push away from Washington since a drone strike in the capital killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani.
Russian defense official Igor Kurushchenko has cited the strike and resultant retaliatory attack, also on Iraqi soil, as a reason why Baghdad should purchase a Russian air defense system, according to UAE-based The National.
“Iraq must be able to protect itself from missiles fired from the US and Iran,” he says.
Israel has lobbied for Russia to not sell the system to other countries in the region , expressing fears it could hamper Israeli air superiority and its missiles could be used against Israel.
Help us report truthfully on social media
As a multimedia journalist, my job is to take the quality, fact-based journalism produced by The Times of Israel newsroom and make it accessible across every platform — from Instagram posts to podcasts to short-form videos.
This is how many, especially young people, consume news these days. But misinformation is rampant on social media. Our team at ToI produces accurate, responsible short-form reporting on Israel and the Jewish world.
If you believe in the importance of factual social media journalism, please consider joining our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community. Your financial support is essential to sustain responsible multimedia reporting.
— Gabriella Jacobs, multimedia journalist
Support our work
Support our work
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
You're a dedicated reader
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you,
David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
Join Our Community
Join Our Community
Already a member? Sign in to stop seeing this
From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 13, 2020
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
