Russia reiterated Friday its opposition to the Western approach on the Syrian and Iranian issues, warning that sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program would be seen by the world as a bid to change the Islamic republic’s r

Russia reiterated Friday its opposition to the Western approach on the Syrian and Iranian issues, warning that sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program would be seen by the world as a bid to change the Islamic republic's regime.

Reassuring that Russia will use its position in the UN Security Council to avert foreign military intervention in Iran and Syria, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gannady Gatilov said that "Additional sanctions against Iran ... will unquestionably be perceived by the international community as an attempt at changing the regime in Iran."

Gatilov was quoted by Interfax as further saying that “the adoption by Western states of unilateral measures that go outside the frameworks of UN Security Council decisions have a negative effect on the Iranian people and its economy.”

"This line of action undermines the international community's efforts at resolving the Iranian nuclear problem," he added.

On the Syrian situation, the Russian deputy foreign minister said that "unfortunately, the West's approach radically differs from ours.”

"Judging by the contents of their proposed amendments, their goal is clearly aimed at removing al-Assad's regime in Damascus,” he pointed out.