Moscow opposes imposing sanctions on Iran over what the West describes as a crackdown on protesters who illegally took to the streets following the country's presidential election.

"We believe that sanctions against Iran over its internal political problems would be unlawful and counter-productive," Xinhua quoted Russia's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Andrei Nesterenko as saying on Thursday.

Nesterenko warned that such a move would provoke unwelcome events in the country and the region. He stressed that all disputes should be addressed through legal channels.

Iran's 10th presidential election which was held on June 12 resulted in a landslide victory for incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Unrest in some Iranian cities began when supporters of some defeated presidential candidates took to the streets to protest against alleged 'irregularities' in the election process.

The Guardian Council, which oversees the election, confirmed the election results earlier this week after launching a probe into the allegations.

MGH/SME/MMN