Iran not paying on S-300s, Russia says

TEHRAN, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- The Iranian government has not issued payment for S-300 anti-aircraft missiles from Russia despite an outstanding contract, sources said.

Iran's state-funded broadcaster Press TV points to several media reports quoting unnamed Russian government officials saying Iran has made no payments for the S-300.

The S-300V system, NATO codename SA-12 Giant, can engage multiple targets simultaneously and shoot down aircraft and missiles at a range of around 100 miles.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev reportedly promised his Israeli counterpart, Shimon Peres, the Kremlin would reconsider the sale of the S-300 missile defense system to Iran.

"President Medvedev promised to review this issue once again after I explained that it would have an impact on the balance of forces in our region," Peres said in August.

Israel has been threatening to attack Iran's controversial nuclear program for many months because the Jewish state considers Tehran's acquisition of nuclear weapons to be an existential threat.

Press TV raises the issue as the United States and Israel being a two-week joint military defense exercise aimed at reviewing Israel's ability to defend against a missile threat.