Russia undertook to supply 29 Tor M1 missiles to Iran under a $700 million contract signed at the end of last year. The United States protested the deal, which it feared could bolster the military capabilities of the Islamic Republic, classified by Washington as a "rogue state" and part of "the axis of evil."
Russia has been maintaining that the contract for the supply of Tor M1 missiles to Iran was concluded in line with international law and that the system was intended for defense only.
Nikolai Dimidyuk, who leads Rosoboronexport's delegation to the current IndoDefense international arms show in the Indonesian capital, said: "I can affirm with 100% certainty that nothing of the kind has happened."
"While hunting for news, [reporters] should not forget about reality and the truth," he said, adding that the Tor M1 is a "purely defensive, low-range weapon."
On Friday, a Rosoboronexport Tehran-based official also denied Tor M1 deliveries were underway.
"We cannot confirm reports on the start of Tor M1 air defense missile deliveries to Iran," he told RIA Novosti.
In July, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Rosoboronexport and Russian warplane maker Sukhoi for exporting arms and hardware to Iran, saying such exports violate the U.S. Nonproliferation Act of 2000. The sanctions on Sukhoi were formally lifted earlier this week as U.S. negotiators wrapped up talks on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization.
The UN Security Council is considering international sanctions against Iran for its refusal to halt uranium enrichment, an activity that may potentially lead to the development of a nuclear bomb. Sanctions proposed by the EU involve a ban on the supply of nuclear material and technology, as well as missiles.
Moscow, which, along with defense contracts, cooperates with Tehran on a nuclear power plant project, has repeatedly spoken against any punitive measures against Iran, insisting that the country has the right to self-defense and to a civilian nuclear program.
The Tor M1, developed by Russian company Almaz Antei, is a high-precision weapon for hitting aircraft, manned or unmanned, and cruise missiles flying at an altitude of up to 10 kilometers (6 miles). It was introduced at last year's Russian aerospace show MAKS.
