Obama said the sale was initially set to occur in 2009, but Russia put it on hold at the United States' request. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday the sale was resumed because of progress in nuclear talks with Iran.
READ ALSO: Russia signs military cooperation deal with Iran
Earlier on Thursday, US General Martin Dempsey told a news conference at the Pentagon that the US military option against Iran's nuclear program remains "intact" despite Russia's decision to go ahead with delivery of S-300 missile defense systems to Tehran.
"We have known about the potential for that system to be sold to Iran for several years and have accounted for it in all of our planning," the top US general said.
READ ALSO: Russia lifts ban on supplying S-300 missiles to Iran
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday Iran's drive to find a solution in talks over its disputed nuclear programme had spurred his decision to renew a contract to deliver S-300 missile defence systems to Tehran.
Moscow's move to provide the surface-to-air missile system to Tehran, which irked the West and drew protests from Israel, followed an initial deal under which Tehran would curb its nuclear activities in exchange for an end to economic sanctions.
"With the progress of the Iranian nuclear track - and that is obviously positive - we do not see any reason to continue to keep the ban (on the delivery of the S-300) unilaterally," Putin told his annual marathon call-in show with Russians.
A final deal with six world powers is due in June but Moscow has moved quickly to try to secure contracts in Iran before international sanctions are lifted and has urged engaging Tehran more in attempts to solve regional crises.
READ ALSO: Russia opens way to missile deliveries to Iran, starts oil-for-goods swap
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