France on Monday warned Russia not to resort to blackmail over efforts to revive a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, after Moscow demanded a U.S. guarantee that sanctions it faces over Ukraine will not hurt its trade with Tehran.
Iran in turn said it would not allow others to impede its interests as, following the potential stumbling block raised by Russia on Saturday, a deal over reviving the 2015 pact that seemed within touching distance after months of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington threatened to unravel.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said the Islamic Republic will not allow "any foreign parties to undermine its national interests," Iran's state media reported, while the foreign ministry said it was awaiting an explanation of the Russian demand via "diplomatic channels."