Russia bans arms sales to Iran

           Russian President Dimitry Medvedev has signed a decree banning supplies of S-300 defense missiles and other arms to Iran after weeks of deliberations by Russian officials. The decree published on the Kremlin website bars the supply of the missiles and other weapons, including fighter jets, helciopters, ships and tanks, to Teheran. The Kremlin issued the statement after Russia's military chief told reporters that Moscow had dropped plans to supply the S-300 missiles to Iran because they fall under the sanctions approved by the United Nations. His remarks were welcomed by US and Israeli officials. The UN Security Council in June adopted a fourth round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. (23,00)