Russia Sold Missiles to Iran Despite U.S. Objections

MOSCOW (AP)-- Russia's defense minister said Tuesday that Moscow has sold air defense missiles to Iran, the first high-level confirmation that their delivery took place despite U.S. complaints.

Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov did not specify how many missile systems had been delivered, but a ministry official speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject said not all the systems under contract had been delivered.

"We have delivered short-range Tor-M1 missiles to Iran in accordance with the contract," Mr. Ivanov told reporters. Mr. Ivanov's comments were the first official confirmation of the sale.