'Iran should have received S-300 missiles 2 years ago'

Country's defense minister says missile defense system "is not in contradiction with any international commitments" of Russia or Teheran.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
s300 missile truck 311 (photo credit: Associated Press)
s300 missile truck 311
(photo credit: Associated Press)
Iran should have received the Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile defense system two years before the UN Security Council resolution 1929, which was passed in June 2010, the ISNA news agency quoted Iranian Minister of Defense Brig.-Gen. Ahmad Vahidi as saying Monday.
"The S-300 missile is not in contradiction with any international commitments of the two sides (Iran and Russia) and the issue is clearly emphasized in the deal, on the other hand the date of delivery of the missile system was two years before the adoption of the UN Security Council recent resolution against Iran," Vahidi told Azerbaijan's Trend News Agency.
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Vahidi added that, "The resolution does not involve air defense systems and the issue is reiterated by many political figures of the US and Russia."
"We believe that implementation of commitments by regional countries can improve confidence and create a firm security unity to help achievement of shared interests and goals," added the Iranian defense minister.
"We are not willing that such measures (Russia's refusal to deliver the missile system) be recorded in the memory of Iranian nation at all, off course as we have already said potent Iranian experts have put long-range air defense system on their agenda."
According to the report, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree which officially prohibits the sale of military equipment to Iran. The decree was a result of UN Security Council resolution 1929 which was passed following Teheran's refusal to cease uranium enrichment. Russia canceled plans to supply the missiles in September.