Russia, West closer on sanctions against Iran: lawmaker

MOSCOW, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The views of Russia and the West on imposing extra sanctions against Iran are closer, a senior Russian lawmaker said Thursday.

"As for a tougher conversation with Iran and additional economic sanctions, the understanding between Russia and its partners has enhanced," said Konstantin Kosachyov, chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the State Duma, the lower house of the parliament.

Kosachyov said Russia was glad that its partners had ruled out the possible use of force against Iran. "We think that would be dangerous and fraught with unpredictable events," he said on the Vesti-24 television channel.

He voiced concern over the Iranian situation and urged Iran to increase the transparency of its nuclear and space programs.

"The latest steps of Iran, including the missile launch test and uranium enrichment, do not contradict with its international commitments. But the possible result of these actions is unknown, and that uncertainty has fuelled fears," he said.

Iran has been at the center of an international dispute over its nuclear ambitions. The United States and its Western allies have been accusing Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. Iran has denied the accusation and stressed its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.