Russia to continue oppose new sanctions on Iran

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Russia's foreign minister, in a speech given before the Obama announcement, says Moscow would continue to oppose any new sanctions. It is seen as a clear signal the US missile decision hadn't persuaded the Kremlin to back Washington's policies.

Russian FM Sergey Lavrov said, "Today there is a real chance of entering into negotiations which must have as a result an agreement that restores trust in the entirely peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme, and that allows the equal participation of Iran in international economic life and in joint efforts to reconcile crisis situations in the region. To wreck this chance by demanding to introduce sanctions immediately would be a serious mistake."