US claims it does not want 'crippling' Iran sanctions

"It is not our intent to have crippling sanctions that have ... a significant impact on the Iranian people," Reuters quoted Crowley as saying on Thursday.

His comments contradict earlier US sanctions that have directly targeted the Iranian people. Over the past years, the US has imposed sanctions against Iran's civil aviation. Washington has also stepped up efforts to hinder fuel supplies to Iran.

Crowley's comments come as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday declared that she expects the UN Security Council to impose new sanctions against Iran in the "next 30 to 60 days."

Russia and China — both veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council — have voiced opposition to new Iran sanctions. 

/Press TV/