16.01.2007 RUS . Russian Tor-M1 missile
** FILE ** Russian Tor-M1 missile system launcher vehicles are seen during military exercises somewhere in undisclosed location in Russia, in this July 28, 2005 file picture. Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, confirmed that Russia has sold Tor-M1 air defense missile systems to Iran. Ministry officials have previously said Moscow would supply 29 of the sophisticated missile systems to Iran under a US$700 million (euro615 million) contract signed in December. (AP Photo)
Photo: AP
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U.S. May Impose Sanctions on Russia for Tor-M1 Deliveries
The United States will take all necessary actions to respond to Russia’s deliveries of Tor-M1 missiles to Iran, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack made clear to reporters.
The United States clearly expressed its negative standing to Russia and questioned the timing of the deal even prior to the end of deliveries, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack reminded when asked by a reporter whether the deliveries of Russia’s missiles will strengthen air defense system of Iran.
Moreover, the U.S. State Department questioned legality of those deliveries. According to McCormack, quite a few acts of law should prompt the world community to reconsider the deal of selling Russia’s air defense systems to Tehran. McCormack said he meant the U.S. laws on weapons trading with Iran but didn’t specify the methods of revising deliveries.
On January 16, the RF Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov told reporters that Russia supplied Tor-M1 missiles to Iran and emphasized that such military and technical cooperation was in line with international agreements. Tor-M1 is referred to defense weapons, Russia’s minister explained.
Moscow claims Tor-M1 won’t change the force balance in the region, as it is of medium range not designed for hitting ground targets.
Tor-M1 missiles that were chosen for Iran’s deal had been produced by order of Greece, which acquired 21 Tor-M1s in late 1990s, but refused to continue.
www.kommersant.com
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