Russia rejects Israeli proposal to impose sanctions on Iran

HAARETZ

Russia rejected Israel's suggestion to impose immediate sanctions on Iran in reaction to its nuclear program, it emerged Friday.

Israeli and Russian delegates met as part of Israel's attempts to garner the support of Western and other countries for a "sanctions basket" against Iran.

Russia urged caution Thursday, as did China, when the United States demanded that the United Nations Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions, promptly confront Iran over its nuclear ambitions. Russia and China, permanent council members with veto powers like the United States, France and Britain, have big trade interests in Iran and are wary of any full-scale embargo.

Diplomatic sources in Moscow said after the meetings with Israeli officials that "Russia listened very intently" to the proposals, but did not commit to taking any measures - a tactful way of saying that Russia has rejected Israel's proposal."