US Objects To Russian Delivery Of Defense Missiles To Iran

WASHINGTON (AP)–The U.S. State Department expressed disappointment Tuesday about Russia’s delivery of air defense missiles to Iran, declaring that shipments of lethal equipment to the world’s “leading sponsor” of terrorism are inappropriate.

The shipments are particularly inopportune because Iran is under U.N. Security Council sanctions for perceived efforts to develop a nuclear weapon and continues to be in defiance of Council resolutions, deputy spokesman Tom Casey said.

“All member states of the United Nations have an obligation not to support international terrorism; in fact, have an obligation to combat terrorism,” Casey said.

He said the U.S. opposed the sale when it was announced and reaffirms that opposition now that the materiel has been delivered to Iran.

Russian officials say the missiles are for defensive use, and the sale does not violate any international agreement.