Russia regrets Iran seems to have rejected a UN brokered proposal from world powers to enrich uranium abroad, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today.
"We regret that Iran, by all appearances, does not consider it possible to agree to the formula it was offered as regards the production of fuel for the Tehran research reactor," Mr Lavrov told reporters.
"We are convinced that it is imperative to make additional efforts, both on this concrete issue and, more broadly, on the question of renewing talks on resolving all aspects of the Iranian nuclear programme," he said.
Lavrov said the United Nations Security Council could discuss new sanctions against Iran, but did not say whether Russia would support them.
"Yes, of course the Security Council can consider additional measures," Mr Lavrov said.
"But we hope that all those upon whom possible future decisions depend will be guided exclusively by the interests of the non-proliferation regime . . . and not any other agendas."
Iran has notified the UN nuclear watchdog that it rejects key parts of a draft deal to send abroad most of its enriched uranium, diplomats told Reuters this week.
Reuters