Britain said today it did not believe Iran was seriously considering a compromise proposal put forward by Russia designed to break a diplomatic deadlock over Tehran's nuclear programme.
Moscow has proposed that Iran sends its uranium to Russia for enrichment, a move that could ease Western fears that the nuclear fuel could be used in bombs.
Despite several public rejections from Iran, which wants to develop nuclear technology on its own soil, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the offer was still on the table.
"I think Iran is playing with the Russia proposal for tactical reasons," said a senior official from Britain's Foreign Office.
Western nations think Iran may be playing for time to avoid being sent to the UN Security Council. Russia and Britain are among the five permanent members.
Britain and European Union are seeking international support to refer Iran to the Security Council after the Islamic state resumed some work on nuclear fuel research last week.
"The Russians did not have a productive exchange with the Iranians in Tehran on this," the official said. "They have made quite clear to the Iranians that their proposal for a joint venture in Russia is mutually exclusive with Iran resuming nuclear-related activities."
The West is worried that Iran wants to develop atomic weapons, a charge Iran denies. It says it needs nuclear technology to cope with booming demand for electricity.