Special to WorldTribune.com

Iran confirmed on Aug. 24 that it will take delivery of the S-300 missile system from Russia by the end of the year.

Iranian Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan told Mehr news agency that “the previous contract had been canceled but after the recent negotiations Iran and Russia have reached an agreement to deliver S-300 surface-to-air missile systems. A new contract has been signed and we have reached full understanding on the matter together with Russia.”

Moscow revived the deal after Iran’s recent signing of a nuclear accord with world powers which includes a commitment to help Teheran protect its nuclear facilities against an attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in April signed a decree lifting the ban on delivery of S-300 to Iran. Putin said his decision was motivated by Iran’s commitment to the nuclear negotiations.

The Obama administration has voiced concern over the S-300 deal, but Iran called it a step towards “lasting security” in the Middle East.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said last week that Moscow had formally reached a deal to deliver the S-300 systems to Teheran.

The previous contract to sell Iran the S-300 system by 2010 fell through due to diplomatic pressure surrounding sanctions on Teheran.

The S-300 is a long range surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept aircraft and cruise missiles, and its most advanced models can also target ballistic missiles. It is manufactured by the Russian firm Almaz.

  Brig. Gen. Hossein Dehghan, Done deal: Russia to deliver S-300s to Iran by end of year, Vladimir Putin, WorldTribune.com