New sanctions on Iran have become more realistic after Tehran's move to ramp up uranium enrichment, Russia's deputy foreign minister, Sergei Ryabkov, told the Interfax news agency Wednesday.
"In this new situation, of course, the question of sanctions, of drafting a resolution for new sanctions has become more realistic," Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency.
He added, however, that in Russia's view "sanctions were not a solution to the problem."
Iran said Tuesday it had started the process of producing 20% enriched uranium, defying world powers who suspect its atomic drive hides a covert effort to develop a nuclear bomb.
Tehran denies the charge and insists its nuclear program is peaceful in nature.