[30 May 2012] Anti-Iran policies damage West: Marandi - English Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Alexander Lukashevich has criticized the US sanctions against Iran as violating international law, noting that Russia opposes such measures. Lukashevich spokesman said the US unilateral sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities are against international law, accusing Washington of abusing its position in the global financial structure by imposing further sanctions on Iran. He also lashed out at the White House for forcing other countries to engage themselves in its decisions. Lukashevich said sanctions should not affect Russian companies working with Iranian firms. The Russian official further noted that pressure and sanctions are futile and will only push Iran's nuclear issue into a deadlock. Tehran says its nuclear program is all peaceful and has no military objectives. Press TV has conducted an interview with Mohammad Marandi, professor of University of Tehran, to further shed light on the issue