Russia will strive to further Middle East arms sales

Significance

Under the deal, the UN arms embargo will remain in force for five years, while the ban on ballistic missile sales will stay for eight years. This means that Russia's plans to supply Iran with the advanced S-300 missile system will face further delays. However, Moscow is not only focusing on arms sales to Iran, but is looking more widely across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The Kremlin will become increasingly dependent on high-value, high-technology military sales while oil prices stay low and Western sanctions remain.

Impacts

• Russia has rebounded to become the second largest arms seller in the Middle East behind the United States.
• The durability of Russian equipment and its comparable cheapness to US systems will be key attractions for buyers.
• Russia has become the main global supplier of the anti-access, area-denial weapons.
• Iran will refrain from progressing controversial Russian weapons sales that could damage its detente with the West.