Despite the fact that supplying Russian-made S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran does not violate any UN Security Council resolution, the US government expressed concern over the increase of Tehran�s military potential caused by this development.

Meanwhile, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently declared that air defense systems are extremely important and "must be on�the frontline, ready to�repulse any aggression launched by�an enemy that seeks to�undermine the country�s defense potential."

Ahmad Vakhshiteh, chief editor of�Iranian analytical web portal RussiaViewer, told Sputnik that the sale of S-300 by�Russia to�Iran is a perfectly legal deal, and that the US has no right to�interfere. He pointed out�that while several years ago the shipment of�these weapons was put on�hold due to�sanctions enforced via�a UN resolution, the Iranian nuclear deal effectively helped resolve that issue.

"The US interference in�this issue is illegal. But why does the US protest so vehemently against�these shipments? One should pay attention to�the growing Saudi influence. Ever since�Iran started purchasing these systems, the country�s aerial borders became better defended. So if some countries conflict with�Iran � ideologically or geopolitically � or if they seek to�destabilize the region to�ensure their dominance, they don�t want such an influential state as�Iran to�improve its military might and increase its defense capabilities," Vakhshiteh explained.

He also pointed out�that the S-300 surface-to-air missile system is a strictly defensive weapon, and that Iran has never acted aggressively or sought to�destabilize the region. Therefore, Vakhshiteh argued, it�s small wonder that when asked why the US protests against�the shipment of�these weapons, Khamenei replied that "the opposing side, the US, is deceitful and opposes the independence of�our nation."

"During the nuclear negotiations Iran performed commendably: it accepted all conditions, making notable concessions. The sanctions previously imposed against�Iran were annulled. And as�Iran honors its commitments, the West � namely, the United States � should also honor the commitments it made. But instead we see the exact opposite. Recently there was even talk of�imposing sanctions against�Russia for�supplying S-300 to�Iran," he said.

By Sputnik