Russia has criticized the United States\' recent decision to blacklist a number of individuals and companies for evading sanctions against Iran. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov says the US measure will hinder progress on ending the standoff over Iran\'s nuclear energy program. Ryabkov added that the unilateral U-S sanctions are illegitimate. Last November, Iran and the five permanent members of the U-N Security Council plus Germany reached a landmark agreement on Tehran\'s nuclear energy program. Under the deal, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in return for the West easing its anti-Tehran sanctions. In late January, the two sides implemented the deal, with the West easing some of its sanctions. Show Less >>