Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Russia is discussing sanctions against Iran with its partners.
The United States and other Western countries suspect Iran of developing nuclear weapons under the cover of a peaceful nuclear energy program and are seeking new sanctions following Iran's move to enrich uranium to 20%.
"We are discussing the sanctions issue with our partners," the Russian leader said at a U.S. think tank following the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington.
Russia has consistently said the dispute should be resolved through diplomatic means, but has increasingly expressed a willingness to consider sanctions.
"Now the necessity of introducing sanctions against Iran is much spoken about. The reason for such proposals is clear: Iran has still not reacted to constructive compromises it was offered," Medvedev said, adding that sanctions should ensure nuclear nonproliferation rather than punish the Iranian nation.
WASHINGTON, April 14 (RIA Novosti)
