Russia regrets further U.S. sanctions on Iran following missile test

Moscow regrets the imposition of new sanctions by the United States on Iran after the latter's missile test, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said Monday.

Iran's recent missile test did not violate the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the UN Security Council resolution urging the Islamic Republic to drop nuclear-capable missile activities, Ryabkov was quoted as saying by the RIA Novosti news agency.

He added that the existing mechanism ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program is implemented without "specific problems."

The United States on Friday announced sanctions on multiple entities and individuals involved in Iran's missile development after Tehran carried out its latest medium-range ballistic missile test on late last month.

Iran is one of Russia's major supporters on Middle East issues. The two countries, together with Turkey, are jointly mediating a political settlement of the Syrian civil war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news briefing on Monday that Iran has no ties with the Islamic State, Nusra Front or other militant groups, adding that Tehran should be part of the joint efforts to fight terrorism.

Also on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia has "partner-like" relations with Iran and looks forward to trade and economic cooperation. Endi