'Iran develops version of Russian S-300 missile'

IRNA reports system to be tested soon; 2 Belgian firms probed for selling Iran nuclear material; Ahmadinejad: Our nuclear rights are inviolable.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Ahmadinejad speaks in NY (photo credit: Associated Press)
Ahmadinejad speaks in NY
(photo credit: Associated Press)
Iran has developed a version of the Russian S-300 missile and they plan to carry out a test-fire in the near future, the official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday, according to Reuters.
"The Iranian (version) of the S-300 system is undergoing field modification and will be test-fired soon as other long range systems are being designed and produced," IRNA quoted Brigadier General Mohammad Hassan Mansourian, a commander in Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards.
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Iran's strive for nuclear arms came under fire in a different light earlier on Wednesday as two firms from Belgium, who allegedly exported to Iran nuclear material that can be used to make weapons, are currently being investigated, Belgium's energy ministry reported, according to an AFP report.
The companies sold materials that can be used for military or civilian means, including depleted uranium and zirconium powder to Teheran, ministry spokeswoman Marie-Isabelle Gomez told AFP.
The energy ministry filed a complaint in 2008 against the two companies, which officials refused to identify, Gomez said, according to the report.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad discussed Iran's nuclear activity within a global context on Wednesday, saying that Iran is not prepared to discuss the "nuclear issue" with world powers, during a speech in the central Iranian city of Qazvin.
According to a Press TV report, Ahmadinejad told gathered supporters:"Iran is ready to hold talks on equal conditions to help settle ongoing problems, ease international concerns and establish peace and security in the world."
He reportedly continued: "We have repeatedly said that our (nuclear) rights are not negotiable ... We only hold talks to resolve international problems ... to help the establishment of peace."
On Tuesday, Iran responded to reports that it had agreed to meet with the "5+1" group later this month by saying that it absolutely would not be discussing a nuclear fuel swap.