Russia's decision to suspend supply of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems evoked strong reaction from Iran, which threatened to seek legal action against Moscow and called it undependable.
Iranian news agency ISNA quoted Alaeddin Boroujerdi, Chairman of the country's Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, as saying on Monday that "the issue can be pursued legally" demanding compensation from Russia for its breach of a contract to deliver five S-300 missile systems, signed in 2007.
In line with the U.N. sanctions against Iran, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree on September 22 banning the shipment of S-300 air defense missile systems, which can shoot down aircraft and cruise missiles from a distance of up to 150 kilometers.
The Kremlin also banned supply of other weapons or any technologies related to ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
Justifying the decision, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said it was not unilateral sanctions, but conforming to the U.N. resolutions imposing sanctions on that Islamic county.
Russia was the latest among a number of entities applying sanctions on Iran based on a U.N. Security Council (UNSC) resolution adopted in August.
The United States, South Korea, the European Union, Australia, Canada, Japan and Norway also have enforced sanctions on Iran for its failure to meet its international obligations.
The U.S. government welcomed the Russian ban and urged other states to join the "growing international consensus" against Iran's nuclear program and to take necessary steps to ensure comprehensive implementation of UNSC resolution.
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