Russia has begun delivery of multi-million pound air defence missile systems to Iran, Arms-Tass and Sky News reports.

A Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed Moscow will proceed with selling arms to Tehran in spite of Western criticism.

The official refused to say when the deliveries had been made and how many Tor-M1 air defence systems had been delivered.

Ministry officials have reportedly said Moscow would supply 29 of the sophisticated missile systems under a £383m contract.

The United States had previously called on all countries to stop arms exports to Iran and to end all nuclear cooperation with the Muslim state.

The move was aimed at pressing Tehran into halting its uranium enrichment activities. Many Western nations fear it wants to develop nuclear weapons.

Israel has also severely criticised arms deals with Iran.

The Tor-M1 deal does not violate any international agreements.

Russian officials say that the missiles are purely defensive weapons with a limited range.

Reports said the Tor-M1 system can identify up to 48 targets and fire at two targets simultaneously at a height of up to 20,000 feet.

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