Reports: Iran says Russia reports it will still deliver air-defense missiles as planned
By APThursday, February 4, 2010
Iran says Russia offers missile reassurance
MOSCOW — The Iranian ambassador in Moscow says Russia has assured Iran that it still intends to deliver long-range air-defense missiles.
Russian news agencies cite Seyyed Mahmoud-Reza Sajjadi as saying on Thursday “our Russian colleagues have assured us that they will meet their obligations.” A Kremlin spokesman declined to comment.
Russia signed a 2007 contract to sell the S-300 missile complex, but so far has not delivered. The delay has not been explained, but Israel and the United States strongly objected to Iran obtaining the missiles, which would significantly boost the country’s defense capability. The ambassador was quoted as saying Iran is ready to receive the weapons.
A top Russian arms trade official recently signaled the delivery may go ahead.
