Sergei Ivanov (16 Jan 07)

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov has confirmed that Russia has sold new anti-aircraft missiles to Iran.

Ivanov told reporters in Moscow Tuesday that Russia has supplied the TOR-M1 air defense missiles, in keeping with a contract between the two countries.

Ivanov did not specify how many missiles have been sent, but a Russian defense ministry official said not all the systems have been delivered.

Russian Tor-M1 missile system launcher vehicles are seen during military exercises somewhere in undisclosed location in Russia, 28 Jul 2005

In Washington, a U.S. official called the sale regrettable.  Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried told VOA that this is not the time for business as usual with Iran, because of what he called Tehran's nuclear weapons program.

In December, the United Nations Security Council imposed a ban on sensitive missile and nuclear technology trade with Iran, because of its refusal to stop enriching uranium.  
 
Russia and China have opposed tougher measures against Iran.

The West says Iran is trying to develop nuclear weapons.  Tehran says it wants nuclear technology for peaceful purposes only.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.