Earlier this month, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on the Russian government's official arms dealer Rosoboronexport and on two other companies for the sale of TOR-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems to the Islamic Republic. Rosoboronexport had faced sanctions for arms sales to Iran and Syria twice during 2006.
Security Council Secretary Igor Ivanov told a RIA Novosti news conference, "We point out to our American partners at consultations that measures of this kind are unlawful, as our companies are not in violation of any international obligations."
He said that if Russian companies' actions contravene certain domestic U.S. laws, Washington has no right to use this as grounds for an embargo.
"In our bilateral and multilateral relations, we are governed by international law and by relevant international treaties and agreements," he said.
"This decision contradicts the spirit of cooperation between our countries, and is against the norms of international law."
Ivanov said Russia does not export weapons that may undermine stability in troubled regions.
"Armaments we export are intended exclusively for defense. This applies to Iran. These are not offensive weapons, and they neither pose any threat to neighbors nor can they destabilize the situation in the region. "
Rosoboronexport confirmed last Tuesday that it had completed the delivery of Tor-M1 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran under a $700 million contract signed at the end of 2005.
The Tor-M1, developed by the Russian company Almaz-Antei, is a high-precision missile system designed to destroy aircraft, manned or unmanned, and cruise missiles flying at an altitude of up to 10 kilometers (6 miles). It was introduced at the Russian aerospace show MAKS in 2005. Each system is equipped with 8 short-range missiles, associating radars, fire control systems and a battery command post.
