World War 3 fears: Russia-Saudi Arabia alliance sees anti-aircraft missiles head to Riyadh

Moscow is about to sign a contract with the regime that would see highly advanced S-400 air defence missiles supplied to Riyadh.

The long-range weapons, nicknamed Triumph, can travel up to 400km and is viewed as one of the best air defence systems anywhere on earth.

An aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed today that the deal was almost done.

He said: “The talks are ongoing now, the terms are being agreed.”

It comes days after Mr Putin and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman discussed military cooperation in talks at the Kremlin.

Russia also signed a contract this month for Saudi to produce the AK-103 rifles along with ammunition. Saudi Arabia is a longstanding US ally in the Middle East and its arms deals with Moscow have caused concern in Washington.

There are fears Riyadh could use the S-400 system against Iran, despite it being a Russian ally.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied other regions would be targeted.

He said: “Military technical cooperation between Moscow and Riyadh is absolutely self-contained and does not target third countries in this region or other regions of the world.

“Therefore we are confident that this cooperation should not be a worry for anyone.”

But the development will increase unease at a turbulent time in global affairs when the sabre-rattling North Korean regime has inflamed fears of World War 3.

US President Donald Trump is also poised to decertify a nuclear deal with Iran, despite being advised it could damage stability in the region.

Mr Trump has branded the 2015 deal, which saw Tehran abandon its nuclear programme in exchange for dropped sanctions, as an “embarrassment” and the “worst deal ever negotiated”.

White House officials said Mr Trump is expected to announce a more confrontational policy towards Iran directed at curbing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

He will also seek to clamp down on the Islamic state’s financial and military support for Hezbollah and other extremist groups.

Both British Prime Minister Theresa May and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Mr Trump this week to express their concerns about the potential decision not to recertify the Iran deal.