Moscow expects to begin supplying advanced S-300 antiaircraft missile systems to Iran before the end of this year, a top Russian official has said.

Presidential aide Vladimir Kozhin, in an exclusive interview with the Interfax news agency on November 25, said some components of the system would be delivered this year, with more to follow early in 2016.

"Everything depends on the capabilities of our industry," Kozhin said.

Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin issued a decree easing a ban on exporting technology to Iran in the wake of a deal signed in July under which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear program in response to the easing of some international sanctions.

Russia and Tehran have been in talks about the S-300 for many years, and the two countries on November 9 signed a deal for Moscow to provide them.

By Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty