(Reuters) Russia opposes new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program at this time because it would undermine a study by the U.N. atomic watchdog of Iran's activities, Russian news agencies said on Thursday.
Iran last month agreed to explain the scope of its nuclear program to the International Atomic Energy Agency, but critics say the deal allows Tehran to address issues one by one in a long-drawn-out process that could last until December.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that since Iran had promised to clarify all issues, "interference by way of new sanctions would mean undermining" IAEA efforts, according to the Itar-Tass agency.
The United States, France and other allies want the U.N. Security Council to agree tougher sanctions against Tehran over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, which the West suspects is cover for bomb making. Iran says its program is for generating nuclear power.
Lavrov , in a briefing to Russian reporters in New York, said the Council might discuss tougher sanctions in the future but the time was not ripe. Instead the council should give Tehran an opportunity to carry out its agreement with the IAEA, the RIA- Novosti news agency reported.
In response, U.S. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad said the IAEA agreement was a technical one and should not delay any action by the Security Council.
"That cannot be used as a shield to protect Iran from its lack of implementation of the demands of the Security Council in regard to the enrichment of uranium that Iran has been asked to suspend twice," he told reporters.
Russia and China previously voted for two sets of punitive measures after Tehran refused to suspend enrichment, and both nations have veto power in the 15-member Security Council.