Medvedev: Russia ready with partners to consider new sanctions against Iran

Russia ready to consider new Iran sanctions

PARIS — Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says his country is ready to consider new sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program.

The Russian leader told reporters Monday at the start of a state visit to France that it would be “desirable” to avoid sanctions — and insisted that any should not harm the Iranian population.

Western nations including France have been growing increasingly impatient about Tehran’s alleged defiance of U.N. rules aimed to stop the spread of nuclear weapons.

Iran insists its program is peaceful and designed to generate electricity.