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| Russian S-400 Missile Defense System |
Saudi Arabia has reportedly threatened “military action” against Qatar if its neighbor acquire Russian S-400 missile defense systems, according to Le Monde, citing a letter from King Salman to the French presidency.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Egypt, among other Gulf states, cut off diplomatic relations with Qatar, accusing it of supporting and funding terrorism. Doha was also accused of “meddling” in the internal affairs of its neighbors and of expressing support for Saudi Arabia’s historic rival Iran.
Now Riyadh is reportedly worried that Doha’s planned acquisition of Russia's S-400 surface-to-air missile units will jeopardize the “national security” of its Persian Gulf neighbors.
According to information obtained by Le Monde, King Salman has recently sent a letter to the French presidency, where he expressed his “deep concern” vis-à-vis the ongoing S-400 negotiations between Doha and Moscow.
If the deal goes ahead “the Kingdom would be ready to take all necessary measures to eliminate this defense system, including military action,” the letter, addressed to President Emmanuel Macron, reportedly warns, asking Paris to apply diplomatic pressure on Doha.