Ignoring international sanctions on Tehran for its suspected nuclear weapons program, Moscow supplied “at least half” of the contracted Tor-M1 short-range air defense systems valued at USD 1.4 billion to be deployed around strategically sensitive centers. Forming part of a larger deal that includes 59 Sukhoi and MIG fighter jets and patrol boats, this system is seen as an effective deterrent against unilateral or multi-lateral attacks on Iranian nuclear weapons sites.

Tehran and Moscow asserted that there are no UN bans on the sale of “defensive weapons” to Iran and also that this deal was contracted long before the sanction regimes got into place. The Tor-M1 can be used against cruise missiles, guided air bombs, and even sophisticated aircraft such as stealth bombers and is expected to be deployed around major administrative and military centers including Tehran, nuclear sites in Isfahan, and Russian-build nuclear site at Bushehr. Iranian military personnel have already completed combat training to operate these systems in December.