Iran nuclear sanctions by EU unacceptable, says Russia

Russia has branded EU sanctions against Iran as "unacceptable," saying they undermine international efforts to rein in Tehran's nuclear ambitions, according to BBC News.

The European Union on Monday adopted new sanctions targeting Iran's foreign trade, banking and energy sectors. The EU measures go beyond the fourth set of UN sanctions adopted on 9 June. They include a ban on dealing with Iranian banks and insurance companies, as well as steps to prevent investment in Tehran's oil and gas sector.

Russia, one of six world powers negotiating with Iran, supported the UN sanctions last month, but has objected to extra unilateral measures imposed by the US and EU since then.

"This not only undermines our joint efforts to seek a political and diplomatic settlement around Iran's nuclear program, but also shows disdain for the carefully calibrated and co-ordinated provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions," a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The use of sanctions outside of the UN Security Council framework is "unacceptable," it added.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman has also condemned the "deeply regrettable" sanctions and vowed to continue its uranium enrichment work.

"These sanctions will not help in resuming talks and will not affect Iran's determination to defend its legitimate right to pursue a peaceful nuclear program," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying by Iran's official Irna news agency.

Tehran says that it is enriching uranium purely for peaceful purposes, but Western powers accuse it of trying to develop a nuclear weapon.