Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov on Monday defended Russia's sale of sophisticated air defence missile systems to Iran, saying the controversial deal respected the letter and spirit of international law and did not upset the balance of power in the Middle East.
"A contract for delivery to Iran of TOR air defence missile systems has indeed been signed," Ivanov was quoted by Interfax news agency as telling journalists.
"It in no way upsets the balance of forces in the region," he said, adding: "Any delivery of weapons by Russia is carried out in the framework of the law and taking account of international obligations."
Russian media, quoting unnamed senior defence ministry officials, reported Friday that Iran had agreed to purchase 29 mobile air defence systems from Russia in a contract worth more than 700 million dollars (600 million euros).
On Sunday, Israel lambasted Russia over the sale, with an Israeli foreign ministry spokesman telling AFP that any arms sale to Tehran "strengthens the military strength of the state and serves only the interests of the most negative elements in the region."
Iran's top national security official, Ali Larijani, confirmed in an interview with AFP that the Islamic republic had purchased the systems from Russia.