Russia Confirms Sale Of Missile-Defense Systems To Iran

The TOR-M1 antiaircraft system (epa)

January 16, 2007 -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov today confirmed reports that Russia has sold antiaircraft-missile systems to Iran.

Ivanov said an unspecified number of TOR-M1 systems have been supplied in keeping with the two governments' contract.

He added that Iran is not under sanctions preventing it from acquiring defensive equipment.

Iran is under UN sanctions banning it from acquiring nuclear-related technology and materials.

The air-defense deal with Russia has drawn criticism from the United States.

(Reuters, AP)