Russia’s foreign minister today suggested Moscow would oppose sanctions on Iran because such measures rarely achieve their intended goals.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters that the International Atomic Energy Agency must stay in the lead on Iran and be allowed to keep working inside the country.

It was a clear indication that Russia does not want the UN Security Council heavily involved in the Iran issue.

Asked if Russia would consider approving sanctions against Iran, Lavrov said: “I don’t think sanctions as a means to solve a crisis have ever achieved a goal in the recent history, so ... we must rely on the professional advice of the IAEA, the watchdog of the non-proliferation regime.”

As a permanent, veto-wielding member of the Security Council, Russia’s stance could undermine the United States, Britain and France.

They want the Security Council to play a lead role in forcing Iran to comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency. China, the fifth permanent member of the council, largely shares the Russian position.

Yet Lavrov, who had met with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan just minutes before, suggested that Russia opposed that because of Iran’s veiled threats that if the council takes tough action, it might abandon the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and expel IAEA inspectors.

“We should all strive for a solution which would not endanger the ability of the IAEA to continue its work in Iran, while of course making sure that there is no danger for the non-proliferation regime,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov also ruled out military action against Iran, saying Russia was “convinced that there is no military solution to this crisis.”