A senior Russian official has said the United States should scrap plans to station parts of its missile defense shield in Europe now that Iran has reached a deal with world powers to limit its nuclear program.
"We don't see any reason to continue with the program, let alone at such an accelerated pace and with a clear aim at the Russian nuclear potential," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told reporters in Moscow on August 14.
Moscow has long opposed the plan, which it sees as a threat to its nuclear deterrence, and vowed to retaliate if it is carried out.
Washington has previously assured Moscow the shield was meant as protection from "rogue" states like Iran, and not directed against Russia.
Since the July agreement under which Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of international sanctions, Moscow has stepped up its rhetoric against the missile shield.
