IRAN:Iranian officials say they have signed a contract to buy an advanced Russian anti-aircraft system, a move that could complicate plans for an air attack by US or Israeli warplanes.
The sale to Tehran of powerful new air-defence technology would create new sources of friction between the Bush administration and the government of Russian president Vladimir Putin. US officials harshly criticised Russia for a missile sale to Iran completed in January.
In Crawford, Texas, where President Bush began a post-Christmas holiday, deputy White House press secretary Scott Stanzel expressed concern over the disclosure, which had not been confirmed by Moscow as of late Wednesday. "We have ongoing concerns about the prospective sale of such weapons to Iran and other countries of concern," Mr Stanzel said.
US officials have long suspected Tehran of seeking to build nuclear bombs, although the Iranian government repeatedly has denied doing so. A US intelligence report in November concluded that Iran suspended any nuclear weapons effort in 2003.
The White House has said it is committed to diplomacy to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but always adds that no option is off the table, including military force. Administration officials are frustrated with the lack of progress in their efforts to arrange a new round of UN sanctions against Iran, heightening international fears of a possible military showdown.
By dramatically upgrading its national air-defence system, Iran is likely to fuel such fears.
The new Russian technology is part of its S-300 anti-aircraft system, which consists of long-range weapons that have been compared to the US Patriot missile in their sophistication and capability. The S-300 system would augment the TOR-M1 anti-aircraft missiles that Tehran purchased from Russia and received earlier this year.
While the TOR-M1 missiles are intended for lower-flying aircraft, unmanned vehicles and precision-guided weapons, the S-300 missiles are able to reach high-flying support squads and far-off approaching attackers.
The contract was signed in Tehran on Tuesday and announced on Wednesday by Iranian defence minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar, according to state-controlled news agencies and web sites. Mr Najjar denied any connection between the deal and the recent US intelligence report, according to state media.
The S-300 was developed by the former Soviet Union to combat aircraft and cruise missiles, but later variations were developed to intercept ballistic missiles. Until recently, Iran's air-defence system was based on 1970s technology and was concentrated on protecting its military bases and nuclear installations.
Because the systems were in fixed locations, they were considered vulnerable, especially to possible US or Israeli attack.
However, Russia agreed in 2005 to sell Iran its modern, mobile TOR-M1 anti-aircraft systems, which are based on the platform of a battle tank.
Under the deal, Russia agreed to sell Iran 29 tank launchers, each carrying its own radar and eight guided missiles. US officials bitterly protested the sale.