Russia has branded European Union's sanctions against Iran as unacceptable saying they undermine international efforts to rein in Tehran's nuclear ambitions. A foreign ministry statement said the move not only undermines the joint efforts to seek a political and diplomatic settlement around Iran's nuclear programme, but also shows disdain for the carefully calibrated and coordinated provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions. It said the use of sanctions outside of the UN Security Council framework is unacceptable. The European Union on Monday adopted new sanctions targeting Iran's foreign trade, banking and energy sectors. Russia, one of six world powers negotiating with Iran, supported the UN sanctions last month, but has objected to extra unilateral measures imposed by the US and EU since then.