Russian diplomat warns West against attack on Iran

MOSCOW-- A senior Russian diplomat has strongly warned the West against an attack on Iran, saying that it would upset global security.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the ITAR-Tass news agency Wednesday that a military action against Iran would be a "grave mistake, a flagrant error" with far-reaching consequences for regional and global stability.

Ryabkov also said Russia is firmly against any new sanctions on Iran. He said unilateral sanctions by some Western powers will hurt efforts to settle the Iranian nuclear standoff through talks.

His comments followed Tuesday's Russian Foreign Ministry statement that expressed regret and concern about the launch of the new Iranian uranium enrichment facility, but urged all parties involved in the nuclear standoff with Tehran to avoid hasty moves.