U.S., Israeli Attack On Iran Would Be 'Unacceptable' - Russia Military

[Purveyor]

Any airstrike against Iran by the United States or Israel would be "unacceptable," the chief of the Russian General Staff Nikolai Makarov said on Monday.

"This is a last resort that exists in the plans of both the United States and Israel," Nikolai Makarov said.

Western powers suspect that Iran's nuclear program is aimed at making weapons, while Tehran claims it is pursuing nuclear technology for its civilian energy needs.

Makarov said that the Iranian leadership should also take into account that "the whole world is concerned about the problem."

"We should hear Iran and Iran should hear us and the global community, and undertake measures," Makarov added.

He also said that other states are likely to follow suit if Iran develops nuclear weapons.

"If Iran gets nuclear weapons, it might become an impetus for other states, and lead to further expansion of the nuclear club," he said, adding the Russian military department was against such a scenario.

He added that Russia's decision on whether to deliver S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Iran should be made by the country's leaders.

"This decision should be made at state level. We, the military, will follow the leadership's commands," Makarov said.

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http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100412/158538895.html