Vladimir Putin Says S-300 Missiles-for-Iran Move Doesn't Threaten Israel

President Vladimir Putin of Russia told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Tuesday that Israel would not be endangered by Russia’s decision to lift its ban on supplying S-300 missiles to Iran, the Kremlin said.

Putin stressed that the missiles have only defensive capability and said that the move would not compromise the security of Israel or any other Middle East country, the Kremlin said.

Netanyahu expressed “dismay,” according to a statement from his office, and told Putin that the step would only increase Iranian aggression and destabilize the Middle East.

Russia’s decision has also drawn rebukes from the White House.

IN-DEPTH

• Russia's S-300 Missiles-for-Iran Move Draws Rebukes From U.S., Israel

— Paul Goldman and Alexey Eremenko with Reuters