UFA, Russia - Russian President Vladimir Putin called on Friday for sanctions on Iran to be lifted as soon as possible after a deal is reached on Tehran's nuclear program.

Putin told a news conference in the Russian city of Ufa that there was a question over which sanctions should be lifted and when, but went on to say they should be ended as soon as possible.

"We are calling for the comprehensive lifting of them as soon as possible," he said.

Iran has also been restricted from selling oil as part of the sanctions. Putin said Iran would probably increase its oil production once the curbs are lifted.

"It is possible, the global economy would adjust to it, I mean that consumption would grow... we are ready for it," he said.(Reuters)