Russia Vows to Push for Lifting US Sanctions on Iran

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova has voiced opposition to US sanctions against Iran, pledging that Moscow will work to have the measures lifted. Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Zakharova rejected the US sanctions, saying, "Russia categorically rejects the practice of applying unilateral, illegal and coercive measures that contravene the UN Charter." Zakharova said Russia would coordinate with Iranian counterparts and other concerned countries to counter what she called the illegal initiative, adding, Together with like-minded countries, we will continue our efforts to remove sanctions pressure from the international system. The spokesperson also said the illegal application of unilateral sanctions had long become a real tool for settling scores and punishing countries that the West deems undesirable. Her remarks, reported by the RIA Novosti news agency, come as Washington maintains broad sanctions targeting Iran's economy and nuclear program.