Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday paved the way for overdue missile system deliveries to Iran, and Moscow started an oil-for-goods swap with Tehran.
The moves come after world powers, including Russia, earlier this month reached an interim deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear program.
The Kremlin said Putin signed a decree lifting Russia's own ban on the delivery of S-300 anti-missile rocket system to Iran. Moscow had canceled a corresponding contract in 2010 under pressure from the West.
Moreover, Russia has apparently also started supplying grain, equipment and construction materials to Iran in exchange for crude oil under a barter deal.
Sources told the 'Reuters' news agency more than a year ago that a deal worth up to US$ 20 billion was being discussed with Tehran and would involve Russia buying up to 500,000 barrels of Iranian oil a day in exchange for Russian equipment and goods.
Russia hopes to reap economic and trade benefits if a final deal is concluded to build on the framework agreement reached in the Swiss city of Lausanne between Iran and six world powers - Russia, the United States, France, Britain, Germany and China.
The sides have until the end of June to work out a detailed technical agreement under which Iran would curb its nuclear program and allow international control in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions. Tehran has denied that its nuclear activities are designed at developing atomic weapons.
