Russia Defends Arms Sales to Iran

, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Lavrov said in a November 27 interview in the German magazine “Der Spiegel” that his country's delivery of the Tor-M1 air-defense system to Iran is under way, Radio Farda reported. 
 
He described this as a defensive weapons system that will not adversely affect the regional balance of power, Radio Farda reported. Lavrov added, according to Radio Farda, that he is certain Iran does not want to build a nuclear weapon. 
 
Russia is building the nuclear power plant in Bushehr, and Lavrov said this facility cannot be used for a weapons program. Lavrov explained that Russia is providing the enriched uranium for use there, and the depleted fuel will be returned to Russia. 
 
Lavrov also advised against the imposition of stringent sanctions by the UN Security Council, warning that this could push Iran to leave the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.