Russia has ruled out supporting fresh sanctions against Iran, despite a UN report that says Tehran may be trying to develop nuclear weapons.
Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov told Interfax news agency that extra sanctions could be interpreted as a means of regime change in Iran.
Earlier, France and the US both said they would pursue new sanctions against Iran in the wake of the IAEA report.
Iran insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful means.
However, the US and its allies have long suspected that Iran is developing nuclear weapons, which it is feared could threaten Israel.
"Any additional sanctions against Iran will be seen in the international community as an instrument for regime change in Iran," Mr Gatilov said.
"That approach is unacceptable to us, and the Russian side does not intend to consider such proposals."
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