Moscow opposes unilateral sanctions against Iran

A high-ranking Russian parliamentary official says Moscow is opposed to imposing unilateral sanctions against Iran over its nuclear energy program.

Deputy Speaker of the State Duma and Head of the Russia-Iran Parliamentary Friendship Group Nikolai Levichev said Russia does not believe sanctions can solve the issue fundamentally, and regards them as “unconstructive and “useless.”

He made the remarks in a meeting with Iran Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani in Tehran on Thursday.

Levichev stated that Moscow considers Tehran a geopolitical ally, and strives for the expansion of diplomatic, economic and cultural relations with the Islamic Republic.

He also expressed hope that Russian diplomats would do their best for the success of the next round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of world powers in the Kazakh city of Almaty.

Iran and the P5+1 — including Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States plus Germany — have agreed to hold the next round of talks with the focus on Iran’s nuclear energy program in Kazakhstan on February 26.

The last round of negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 was held in Moscow in June 2012.

The United States, Israel, and some of their allies have repeatedly accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran rejects the allegations, arguing that as a committed signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

Larijani, for his part, said the powerful role of Iran in the regional developments would also benefit Russia.

He added that Tehran and Moscow — through close interactions and continued negotiations — can play more constructive roles in the international arenas.

The senior Iranian legislator also stressed the need for enhanced trade ties between Iran and Russia, and said both nations enjoy great potential for the development of economic, industrial and scientific cooperation.