Russia's foreign minister, in Tehran to discuss a planned deal to provide Iran with fuel for a new nuclear power plant, has said he expects the Islamic Republic to cooperate with United Nations nuclear inspectors.
Sergei Lavrov said Sunday Iran should comply with the global treaty on nuclear non-proliferation and work with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
But the French news agency, AFP, quotes Mr. Lavrov also as saying Russia opposes Iran being referred to the U.N. Security Council for sanctions over its nuclear programs. The news agency reports the foreign minister said such a move would be "premature and counterproductive."
Iran faces a November 25 IAEA deadline to cease all uranium-enrichment activities.
Mr. Lavrov said he expects Russia and Iran to soon sign their deal for fuel for the Bushehr nuclear plant.