U.S. Asks Russia To Reconsider Iranian Missile Sales

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov (file photo) (epa) May 26, 2006 -- The United States today called on Russia to reconsider a deal that sees Russian missiles being sold to Iran.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said Washington would like Moscow to "take a second look" at the issue.

The call comes after Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov said Moscow will fulfill its commitment to supply Iran with surface-to-air missiles.

Defense Ministry officials have previously said that Moscow will supply 29 TOR-M1 air defense systems to Iran under a $700 million contract.

Ivanov's confirmation of the deal comes after the United States last month called on countries to stop all arms exports to Iran.

(AFP, AP)