MOSCOW (AP) – Russian President Dmitry Medvedev says putting sanctions on Iran for its nuclear program is not the optimal path, but cannot be excluded.

Russia is a key player in mediations on Iran’s nuclear program, which the United States and other Western nations believe is geared toward producing atomic weapons. Iran insists its nuclear technology is for peaceful purpose, but the West is frustrated by Iran’s perceived reluctance to prove that.

Medvedev said in a statement Saturday to members of the League of Arab States in Moscow that “we are convinced that the sanctions path is not optimal. … At the same time, developments along this scenario can’t be excluded.” Russia is a long-time trade partner of Iran, giving it more leverage than Western nations.