The White House suggested Monday that Russia’s decision to sell antimissile rocket systems to Iran could splinter the international community in the effort to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed an order lifting a Russian ban on delivering antimissile systems to Iran. The two nations also reportedly will begin an oil-for-goods program, with Russia providing grain and other goods in exchange for oil.
White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters that Secretary of State John Kerry has raised “concerns” around the deals with officials in Moscow. He also hinted that the Russia-Iran agreements could hurt international efforts to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.
Russia is a part of the so-called P5 plus 1, which also includes the U.S., Britain, China, Germany and France. The group two weeks ago reached a preliminary deal that would slow parts of Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions, though key details have yet to be worked out.
“One of the things we have indicated has been critical to our success in this diplomatic process has been the unity of the international community,” Mr. Earnest said. “The United States and our partners in Europe have been able to work closely with Russia and China to bring Iran to the table … so we value the coordination and unity that we have been able to maintain throughout this rather long process.”
He went on to say that should the oil-for-goods and missile deals move forward they would raise “serious concerns” within the Obama administration.
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.