Speaking at a conference in India, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Iran’s nuclear program is “alarming” because it is growing and “in direct violation of UN resolutions”. . . Ryabkov also said Iran had shown “constructiveness” while acknowledging that although Russia opposed it, some type of military action against Iran this year remained possible…Ryabkov warned of the effects an attack which he claims would trigger “a new global economic crisis” at a time when the global economy is showing signs of recovery. . . Ryabkov is viewed generally as a serious and capable diplomat who seldom resorts to bombast in discussing foreign policy issues. . . his criticism of Iran, albeit somewhat muted, is an indication of Moscow’s desire to straddle its past support of Iran with recognition that Tehran is facing mounting international isolation. . . he struck a similar posture at the conference in discussing the situation in Syria, claiming Russia would not object to the removal of Syrian President Bashar Assad if the change came from within Syria.