Russia strongly hinted it would oppose UN Security Council sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme when the five permanent members met for the first time yesterday to discuss a response.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog earlier referred the issue to the Security Council, but Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had already suggested his country would oppose sanctions.
Moscow's opposition could make it difficult for the countries urging tough measures because Russia has the right to veto any sanction.
Mr Lavrov said: "I don't think sanctions as a means to solve a crisis have ever achieved a goal in the recent history, so . . . we must rely on the professional advice of the IAEA, the watchdog of the non-proliferation regime."
The Russian minister refused to comment on US Vice President Dick Cheney's warning of "meaningful consequences" if Iran does not back away from an international confrontation over its nuclear programme.
Mr Cheney did not specify what the United States would do but said it "is keeping all options on the table".
In Vienna, the 35-nation board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) wrapped up a meeting on Iran's nuclear programme, formally opening the path to Security Council action.
Soon after, IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei sent a report on Iran's status to the council.
The five permanent members of the council - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - then gathered for quick consultations.
They generally agree that the next step will be a non-binding presidential statement addressing Iran's nuclear programme. They also agree that any steps should be gradual, but beyond that are divided about what to include in the statement, council diplomats said.
AP