The return of the United Nations sanctions against Iran constitute an illegal action instigated by the European powers that escalated the crisis over nuclear program of the country, Russia said today.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the return of sanctions is the result of “manipulation” by Britain, Germany and France.

“Therefore, the results … are legally invalid and cannot impose any legal obligation on other states,” Zakharova said at the press briefing.

The United Nations reintroduced sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program on September 27 after the triggering of the snapback mechanism instigated by the three European countries.

Iran will again be subject to an arms embargo and a ban on acquiring technology for its ballistic missile program. Iran’s oil and financial services sectors are also in the crosshairs.

Tehran, which denies any intention of building nuclear weapons, has warned it will respond with harsh retaliation. Russia has close relations with Iran, supports its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and has condemned Israeli and US bombings targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in June.