Russia sends hundreds of missiles to Iran

MOSCOW — Having withdrawn from an agreement to end arms sales to Iran, Russia has shipped hundreds of missiles to Teheran which may be used against Israel.

The Israeli Yediot Aharonot daily reported on Friday that Russia has send 325 shoulder-fired SA-16 anti-aircraft missiles to Iran. The SA-16 is regarded as the most effective missile deployed in the former East Bloc and Israeli sources fear that they will be transported to the Hizbullah in Lebanon.

The shipment is part of a deal to export 700 SA-16 missiles to Iran as part of a $1.75 billion contract. Yediot quoted U.S. sources as saying hundreds of missiles have been placed on a Russian train and ship for Iran, Middle East Newsline reported.

Russian officials said Moscow would not allow the United States or any other country to dictate its policy. At the same time, they said that Russia would honor nonproliferation accords.

Moscow has informed the United States that it will withdraw from a 1995 understanding that would end arms sales to Iran. The termination of the agreement takes effect on Dec. 1.

"Russia bases its acts on close adherence to its international commitments, also in the case of Iran," Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev said. "We fulfill all international requirements on non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction."

Russian government sources said Moscow's notification was prompted by what they asserted was a violation that the United States maintain the secrecy of the understanding. The Interfax news agency said the Russian move was also linked to "positive changes in Iran's internal political situation."

But Russian defense sources said that President Vladimir Putin was bowing to pressure by the defense industries. The industries are pressuring Putin to eliminate all barriers to sales to Iran amid soaring oil prices.

Iran is interested in producing under license such as the MiG-29 fighter-jets and the T-72C tank.