Russia blasted the European Union for imposing unilateral sanctions against Iran, stressing that the embargos hit a palpable blow to unity among the Group5+1 members (the five permanent UN Security Council members plus Germany).

The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized in a statement on Wednesday the unilateral sanctions imposed by the European Union on Iran, and expressed its "deep concern" over the issue.

The statement urged efforts to hold fresh talks between Iran and the G5+1.

Moscow referred to the unilateral sanctions by the EU as a "palpable blow" to the unity of the six nations.

"We will continue to consistently seek to achieve the organisation of the next round of negotiations ... as soon as possible," the statement said.

Washington and its European allies accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program, while they have never presented any corroborative evidence to substantiate their allegations. Iran denies the charges and insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Tehran stresses that the country has always pursued a civilian path to provide power to the growing number of Iranian population, whose fossil fuel would eventually run dry.

Iran held an "intense" round of talks with six world powers about its nuclear program in Moscow in June. The talks in the Russian capital followed two rounds of negotiations since diplomacy resumed in April after a 15-month hiatus during which the West cranked up sanctions pressure.

Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted on an easing of sanctions and an acknowledgment of the country's right to enrich uranium, conditions that the United States and the EU have not accepted.

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