Reuters: Russia will not agree to tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program in exchange for a new nuclear arms cuts deal with Washington, Interfax news agency quoted a foreign ministry source as saying Tuesday.
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia will not agree to tougher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program in exchange for a new nuclear arms cuts deal with Washington, Interfax news agency quoted a foreign ministry source as saying Tuesday.
Russia is now negotiating a new nuclear arms cuts deal to replace the 1991 START-1 pact expiring in December. It is also involved in international efforts to persuade Iran give up its uranium enrichment program.
"There are no reasons to link these issues or count on Russia being more cooperative in toughening sanctions against Iran if there is progress in talks with the United States on further cuts in strategic offensive weapons," the source said.
(Writing by Oleg Shchedrov; Editing by Louise Ireland)
