Russian against use force on Iran: FM

Russia is against the use of force against Iran, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday, as the Gulf state continues to hold 15 British sailors and refuses to give up its nuclear program.

"We are absolutely against the use of force in settling any conflicts. The same position remains in effect in relation to Iran," the Russian Itar-Tass news agency quoted visiting Lavrov as saying in Yerevan, capital of Armenia.

The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program and is increasing pressure on the regime. It has dispatched two aircraft carriers there and carried out military excises.

Iran has denied those charges, insisting that its nuclear program is for civilian purpose.

Russian General Chief of Staff Yury Baluyevsky on Tuesday claimed that the possible use of force by the United States against Iran was aimed at enhancing U.S. "positions of at once a captain and a navigator" on the international arena but will "signal the decline of America."

Resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council has excluded the use of force, Lavrov said, adding that "We urge all those, who may have an idea to use force, to implement the United Nations Security Council's decisions and to remain in the international law field.