An Iranian cleric calls on China and Russia not to bow to Western demands to impose fresh sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program. "The international community expects China and Russia resist the US and the UK and not allow them to implement their anti-Iran plans," said Tehran's interim Friday prayers leader Ayatollah Mohammad Imami-Kashani.Washington and its European allies claim Iran's response to an incentives package, requiring the country to abandon nuclear work for political and economic benefits, is 'inconclusive'.
"Iran is ready for dialogue that is lawful and respectful of the Iranian nation," Ayatollah Imami-Kashani continued. He urged the White House to not approach Tehran with animosity and instead engage in constructive negotiations.
His remarks came a day after Russian envoy to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, confirmed Thursday that Moscow does not agree with the imposition of further UN Security Council sanctions against Iran. "It may well be that in the course of those discussions some members of the six raised the issue of the sanctions," said Churkin.
This is while the US previously insisted that it had unanimous P5+1 - five permanent UNSC members plus Germany - support for imposing further sanctions on Iran.