Russian President Dmitri Medvedev has said, during a state visit to France, that his country would agree with stricter sanctions against Iran if Tehran continues to refuses to be open about its nuclear programme. However, he added that any sanctions should not target the Iranian people.

Along with China, Russia was initially opposed to sanctions. But since Iran has continually failed to respond to calls to submit to controls, Mr Medvedev said, sanctions are now the only option.

Later this week, the United Nations Security Council will discuss a draft resolution laying down the measures to be taken. The United States, United Kingdom and France are in favour of sanctions.

Observers expect that if Russia too condones sanctions, it will be harder for China to vote against them. But for the time being, Beijing says there is still room for talks with Iran.