(Reuters) – Russia criticized the European Union on Wednesday for imposing new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program and called for a fresh round of talks between world powers and Tehran as soon as possible.

The Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over EU sanctions imposed on Tuesday against major Iranian state companies in the oil and gas industry and the central bank.

Moscow said unilateral sanctions by the EU dealt a “palpable blow” to the unity of the six nations – the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia – leading diplomatic efforts to rein in

Read more: Russia criticizes EU Iran sanctions, urges talks | Reuters.