A prominent Iranian lawmakers has stated that, if Russia fails to comply with its weapons supply commitment on time, the long standing diplomatic relations between the two countries could be harmed. The statement comes in the wake of a delay in an anti-aircraft missile defense system that Russia was supposed to deliver to Iran.

The defense contract between Russia and Iran, that was signed about two years ago, has bounded Russia to deliver the S-300 surface to air missile system to Tehran. However, since the incep0tion of the contract, Moscow hasn’t dispatched any shipments and also hasn’t provided any explanations in regards to to the delay in delivery. The United States and Israel had strongly opposed and criticized the arms deal between the two countries, as the acquisition of the S-300 SAM batteries will greatly bolster Iran’s anti-air capabilities . The concerns were raised amid an increasing threat of a nuclear Iran, as the Islamist state refused to deactivate its nuclear programs.

The current ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran involve Russia and six other nations, who wish to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons via a reactor, that Iran has repeatedly stated is for civilian energy purposes only. The latest diplomatic stern statement for Iran has put Russia in a dilemma, because not only Moscow is a long time ally of Tehran, but it is also an active participant the current nuclear negotiations.

According to Alaeddin Boroujerdi, an Iranian lawmaker who is also the head of Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee,

“If they do not fulfill their promise, this will be a negative point in relations between the two countries. It will be harmful to Russia since we have many areas of cooperation with them.”

Via Associated Press.