SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The two former Soviet Union satellites are seeking to join the Western alliance, which could result in Russia seeking to supply a powerful S-300 system to Iran, a U.S. intelligence official told The Sunday Telegraph.

The system, which can track 100 targets simultaneously, could be a "game-changer" in the Middle East, Pentagon adviser Dan Goure told the newspaper.

"This is a system that scares every Western air force", he said.

The Telegraph reported unnamed U.S. intelligence operatives are saying Russia plans to use a stand-off over the S-300 to set up a foreign policy confrontation with the new U.S. president.

"The message from Moscow is very clear", said George Friedman, director of the private U.S. intelligence agency Stratfor. "They are saying if you don't stop meddling in our sphere of influence, this is what we are going to do."

 BREAKING STORIES

Iran could build one nuke, analysts say

With Obama in, Iran alters diplomatic tone

U.S. concerned about Iran missile tests

Conservatives mute Ahmadinejad criticism

Larijani raps Obama's Iran comments

Iran warns against airspace violations

Iran minister impeached for fake degree

Iran military seeks breakthrough

Iranian naval chief touts new base

Iran blasts U.S. raids in Syria, Pakistan

Iran says new oil production cuts possible

Ahmadinejad's illness said not serious

Iranian president reported in ill health

Iran's Khatemi decides against run

Iran to urge OPEC production cutback

Iran said to show it could attack Israel

Intel says Iran meddling in Iraq-U.S. deal

Iranian actress's attire draws Muslim ire

Iran names new Russian envoy

Iran recasts report on U.S. jet