Israel’s Window to Strike Iran Narrows as Putin Enters Equation

Iran seeks S400 air defenses from Russia which would make an attack harder

A Russian S-400 missile system.

Photographer: Paul Gypteau/AFP/Getty Images

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Iran is seeking sophisticated new air-defense systems from Russia that Israeli officials believe will narrow the window for a potential strike on Tehran’s nuclear program, according to people familiar with the matter.

The prospect of Iran getting the systems, the S-400s, would accelerate a decision on a possible attack, people in Israel and the US with knowledge of the discussions said.