Moscow, Sept. 13 (LaPresse) – Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali emphasized that Iran has never requested Russia to deliver the S-400 air defense system. In an interview aired Friday on Iranian local TV, Jalali referred to Russia’s stance during the 12-day war imposed by Israel and the United States, stating: "From day one, we saw Russia take strong and decisive positions against the Zionist regime. The country issued three statements and also took specific stances at the Security Council." The Iranian ambassador to Russia added: "On the first day of the war, they requested a phone call with [President Pezeshkian], and on the second day, Foreign Minister Araghchi had a phone call with [Foreign Minister] Lavrov." He continued, "One day after the war ended, Araghchi came to Moscow and met with Mr. Putin. Also, Mr. [Ali] Larijani and the Iranian Defense Minister traveled to Moscow."
Jalali also stated that "During the 12-day war, our people clearly saw how America, Israel, and the West waged a fully imposed war against the Iranian nation aimed at regime change." The Iranian ambassador to Russia went on to address discussions about purchasing the S-400 defense system from Russia, saying, "Someone needs to provide a document proving that the Islamic Republic of Iran requested to buy the S-400 from Russia."