Russians and Iranians discuss defence interests

The Russian defence minister, Igor Sergeyev, has said Russia would not break international agreements by selling arms to Iran.

Marshal Sergeyev, who's making a three-day visit to Iran, said military co-operation between the two countries would not be directed against any third nation.

His statement echoes an assurance he gave to the United States earlier this month when he said Moscow would only sell defensive weapons to Iran. Marshal Sergeyev is the first Russian or Soviet defence minister to go to Iran since the Islamic revolution in 1979.

He will meet the president, Mohammad Khatami, and senior ministers, and visit a number of military installations.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service