Russian FM: I oppose unilateral sanctions against Iran

Lavrov refers to sanctions as "a violation" despite Russian decision to cancel S-300 missile deal with Islamic Republic.

lavrov 311 (photo credit: AP)
lavrov 311
(photo credit: AP)
Russia opposes unilateral sanctions against Iran, placed on the Islamic Republic for its refusal to cease its uranium enrichment program, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday according to a Reuters report.
Speaking of unilateral sanctions on Russian television, Lavrov said "they are a violation, even without mentioning the legal aspect of the issue."
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Lavrov's announcement came despite the fact that earlier this week, Russia announced it would be canceling a deal to supply Iran with S-300 missiles because of UN sanctions passed against the Islamic Republic in June.
The Russians had sent mixed messages as to whether or not the UN sanctions would prevent them from completing the deal with Iran. The fourth round of sanctions was passed against Teheran in June by the UN Security Council with Russian approval.
Lavrov appeared to take issue with separate sanctions passed against Iran by the US and EU in addition to the UN Security Council sanctions.
"If we work jointly, and if our Western partners are saying all the time that it is necessary to maintain a consolidated position on Iran, we need to decide whether we will have a consolidated position on all issues... but if something cannot be achieved, individual states will do it beyond agreements reached with the Security Council."
Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi on Thursday criticized the Russians following the announcement that the S-300 deal would be canceled.