"Our forecast on the US global missile defense system…comes true. We confirm that the implementation of the US missile defense architecture is a threat to strategic stability," Shoigu said.
He added that the US missile defense system is expanding, despite the success of international nuclear talks with Iran.
"It is obvious that Tehran's missile threat, concocted by the US and other [NATO] alliance members, have been a bluff. Even after breakthrough decisions on the Iranian nuclear program, nobody has illusions concerning the possibility of the review of US-NATO missile defense plans."
Earlier this month, Iran agreed to cut back its uranium enrichment and let International Atomic Energy Agency observers monitor the implementation of the plan. In return, the West pledged to lift sanctions imposed on Iran originally put in place due to fears it was developing nuclear weapons.
NATO Conquering Geopolitical Space by Enlarging Potential in Eastern Europe
"The alliance has dropped propaganda clichés of past years about its focus on cooperation with Russia. NATO countries are actively seeking to seize geopolitical space, consistently increasing military potential in Eastern Europe, approaching Russia's borders”, the minister said.
The minister added:
"The geographical focus of NATO’s military drills — the eastern flank of the alliance and the Arctic region only — is evidence of anti-Russian intentions."
Moscow has repeatedly expressed its concerns over NATO's growing presences in Eastern Europe after the US military stepped up joint exercises with Poland and the Baltic states.
