Russia says sanctions on Iran go against international law

TEHRAN, May 31 (MNA) – Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said that the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States against Iran are contrary to international law. Speaking to the Russian news agency Interfax, Lukashevich said that regarding the U.S. unilateral sanctions, which have been enforced against Iran over the past years due to claims of concern over Iran’s nuclear program, “I should say that Russia does not agree with the transnational nature of these sanctions.” He added, “Moreover, we believe that these sanctions are in contradiction to international law.” On May 21, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill to extend sanctions against countries or companies that conduct business with the National Iranian Oil Company and the National Iranian Tanker Company, another attempt to restrict Iran from selling its crude oil abroad. “The United States is abusing its position in the global financial structure and the status of dollar as the international currency, thus slapping economic and financial sanctions against Iran and forcing other countries to engage themselves in this regard,” the Russian foreign ministry spokesman said, according to Press TV. Lukashevich further said that Moscow has invariably expressed opposition to “excessive pressure” on Iran over its nuclear program. “On all occasions and levels, we have proclaimed our opposition to [applying] excessive pressure on Iran and pointed out that such an approach will push Iran's nuclear energy program toward a stalemate,” Lukashevich explained. The United States and the European Union have imposed tough financial sanctions and oil embargoes against Iran since the beginning of 2012, claiming that the country’s nuclear program includes a military component. The Islamic Republic, which has vehemently denied allegations that it is trying to build nuclear weapons, emphasizes its right to develop and acquire nuclear technology meant for peaceful purposes.