Russia has begun delivering advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Belarus, fueling speculation anew that the final recipient is Iran. However, according to the Associated Press, the defense minister of Belarus told reporters that his country could not, under terms of the agreement, transfer the missiles to another country.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
