Russian FM says no new sanctions on Iran; comes as Washington shelves missile defense plans

Russian FM says no new sanctions on Iran

MOSCOW — Russia’s foreign minister says Moscow firmly opposes any new sanctions against Iran.

Sergey Lavrov says new tougher sanctions would ruin hopes for solving the Iranian nuclear program through talks.

Lavrov’s statement Thursday came shortly before President Barack Obama announced shelving a plan for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. Russia has strongly opposed the plan.

Obama’s move comes as Washington badly needs Moscow’s support to increase pressure on Iran over its nuclear program.

But Lavrov’s comments signal that Moscow won’t back tougher sanctions against Iran, whom the U.S. and other Western nations suspect of developing nuclear weapons.