Lavrov, speaking at an annual press conference on January 18, reiterated Russia’s opposition to further UN Security Council sanctions against Iran over its controversial nuclear program, saying UN sanctions had “exhausted” their potential.
Western powers suspect Iran’s nuclear program is aimed at making atomic bombs, a charge Iran denies.
The European Union is considering whether to impose sanctions on buying Iranian oil, while the United States recently targeted Iran’s central bank which handles Iran’s oil revenues.
Lavrov said new sanctions could hinder efforts to resolve the standoff through talks.
Lavrov also warned against military intervention in Syria. He also said Russia had no intention to justify its actions in Syria following suspicions that a Russian-operated ship which arrived in Syria last week was carrying ammunition.
compiled from agency reports
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