Iran can produce its own missile defense system – MP
Updated: Monday, November 16, 2009
11:30GMT—6:30AM/EST
Washington, 16 November (WashingtonTV)—A senior Iranian lawmaker said on Sunday that Iran will soon be able to produce an advanced missile defense system itself, if Russia did not provide it with the system soon.
The remarks by Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who heads the Majlis [parliament] National Security and Foreign Affairs Commission, was the latest criticism by Iranian officials over Russia’s failure so far to deliver the S-300 system.
Russia signed a contract with Iran on the supply of the missiles in December 2005.
“Iran is not a country to come to a stop in the face of non-cooperation of other countries,” Boroujerdi told the Aftab-e Yazd newspaper.
“It is natural that, considering its capabilities, the Islamic Republic of Iran could in the not too distant future mass-produce this missile defense shield,” he added.
His comments came two days after Iran’s armed forces chief criticized Russia for failing to deliver the missiles, which he said were now more than six months overdue.
The United States and Israel have pressed Moscow not to deliver the missiles to Tehran, which would greatly increase Iran’s defense capabilities against a possible airstrike on its nuclear sites.
Source: Aftab-e Yazd newspaper
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