Today, Russia snubbed its nose at the United States by announcing plans to sell military equipment to both Iran and Venezuela.

According to the Times of London, the head of the state arms exporter said that Russia was negotiating to sell new anti-aircraft systems to Iran despite American objections.”

Reports have circulated in recent weeks that Russia is preparing to sell its S-300 surface-to-air missile system to Iran, providing greater protection against a possible US or Israeli attack on the Islamic republic’s nuclear facilities. The missiles have a range of more than 150 kilometers and could intercept jets approaching at low altitudes.

The head of state-owned Russian Technologies, Sergie Chemezov also disclosed that Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez wanted to purchase anti-aircraft systems, armored personnel carriers and new SU-35 fighter jets when they come into production in 2010.

According to the Times, “US plans to site an anti-missile shield in Eastern Europe to deter surprise attacks from Iran have outraged Russia, which believes the system in Poland and the Czech Republic is aimed at weakening its defenses.”

Tensions between NATO and Russia after the war in Georgia have also contributed to a sharp deterioration in relations.

This week, Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, one of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s closest allies, has visited Venezuela and Cuba.

To read the entire article from the Times of London, link here:

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