Russia's Arms Exporter Denies Delivery of Air Defense Systems to Iran

Russia’s state arms exporter denied Friday Russian media reports that Rosoboronexport has begun delivering Tor M1 air defense systems to Iran, RIA Novosti news agency reports.

“We cannot confirm reports on the start of Tor M1 air defense system deliveries to Iran,” a company representative in Iran said.

He also said Russia-Iran military technical cooperation is in line with Russia’s international commitments and existing national laws.
At the end of 2005, Russia signed a $700-million contract on supplies of 29 Tor M1 air defense systems to the Islamic Republic. Despite strong criticism from the United States, Russia has maintained that the systems could be used only to protect Iranian air space.

The U.S. has pressed for sanctions against Iran, which some countries suspect of pursuing a weapons program under the cover of peaceful nuclear research, despite consistent denials from Tehran, which says it needs nuclear energy for electricity.

Russia and China, close economic partners of Iran who hold vetoes on the UN Security Council, have resisted sanctions, RIA Novosti reports.

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