US Criticizes Russian Delivery Of Missiles To Iran

MILPLEX

The TOR-M1 surface-to-air missile defense system

Russia completes air defense system deliveries to Iran
Moscow (RIA Novosti) - Russia has completed deliveries of Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran, the defense minister said Tuesday. "We have supplied modern anti-aircraft short-range missile systems under a contract. Iran is not under any sanctions," Sergei Ivanov said, adding that Moscow will continue to develop military and technical cooperation with Tehran.

Russia undertook to supply 29 Tor-M1 missiles to Iran under a $700 million contract signed at the end of 2005. The United States protested the deal, which it feared could bolster the military capabilities of the Islamic Republic, classified by Washington as a "rogue state" and part of "the axis of evil." Russia has insisted that the contract for the delivery of the Tor-M1 missiles to Iran was concluded in line with international law, and that the system is intended for defense purposes only.

Last December, the UN Security Council adopted a revised version of a resolution to punish Tehran for its refusal to its halt uranium enrichment, but Russia managed to uphold its economic interests and ensured the implementation of its earlier signed contracts with Iran, including on the construction of a light-water reactor in Bushehr and the delivery of the Tor-M1 and S-300 air defense systems. The Tor-M1, developed by the Russian company Almaz-Antei, is a high-precision missile system designed to destroy aircraft, manned or unmanned, and cruise missiles flying at an altitude of up to 10 kilometers (6 miles). It was introduced at the Russian aerospace show MAKS in 2005.

by Staff Writers
Washington (AFP) Jan 16, 2007
The United States on Tuesday criticized Russia's delivery of TOR-M1 surface-to-air missile defense systems to Iran, saying it sent a wrong signal as global sanctions were being imposed on the Islamic republic for its nuclear program. Moscow announced Tuesday that it had completed delivery of the missile defense systems which began in November last year.

The United States has urged Russia to cancel the sale, signed in 2005 for the purchase of 29 TOR-M1 missile systems estimated to be worth 700 million dollars (540 million euros). The missiles can strike planes, helicopters and cruise missiles.

"We don't think that it's an appropriate signal to be sending to the government of Tehran at this time, particularly when they are under UN sanctions for trying to develop a nuclear weapon, and when they continue to be in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions," deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey told reporters.

"We also believe as well that we certainly don't want to see any kind of lethal aid or assistance given to any country that's a state sponsor of terror," he said.

Washington accuses Iran of being a state sponsor of terrorism, a charge rejected by Tehran.

Asked whether Washington had protested to Moscow over the missile systems delivery, Casey said, "We've discussed this on a number of occasions, both here in Washington and in Moscow, with the Russian government.

"I'm not sure what communications might have gone on today. But again, I think we'll be continuing to make our views known on this subject," he said.

Iran has been slapped with limited UN sanctions for refusing demands to suspend its nuclear enrichment program -- a possible step towards development of atomic weapons.

earlier related report
Russia completes delivery of missiles to Iran
Moscow (AFP) Jan 16 - Russia has completed delivery of TOR-M1 surface-to-air missile defence systems to Iran, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said Tuesday.

"We have delivered the TOR-M1 complexes to Iran," Ivanov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. Russia began delivering the missile systems in November last year.

Iran signed a contract with Russia in 2005 for the purchase of 29 TOR-M1 missile systems estimated to be worth 700 million dollars (540 million euros). The missiles can strike planes, helicopters and cruise missiles.

The United States has urged Russia to cancel the missile sale, which took place in the context of a tense international atmosphere surrounding Iran's controversial nuclear programme.

Washington has imposed sanctions on a number of foreign entities, including Russian weapons exporters, for selling arms to Libya and Iran.

Source: Agence France-Presse

MILPLEX

China Condemns US Sanctions On Three Firms

Beijing (AFP) Jan 09, 2007
China on Tuesday condemned US sanctions imposed last week on three Chinese companies for allegedly selling banned weapons to Iran and Syria, calling the accusations "totally groundless". "We strongly oppose this and demand the US side correct this erroneous action," foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said at a regular press conference. The Chinese firms are among 24 foreign entities from several countries hit with the sanctions, invoked under the 2005 Iran and Syria Nonproliferation Act.

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