Addressing reporters after talks with visiting French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, Lavrov urged the international community to refrain from adopting too confrontational a stance in its dispute with Tehran.
"Once again, what is important here is to not blow out of proportion aspects [of this issue] that cause sensation, such as when the issue should be referred to the United Nations, or when the [UN] Security Council should make its decision. It is important to focus on the main goal, and that is to do everything to prevent any violation of the nonproliferation regime," Lavrov said.
Lavrov said Russia would be guided by the assessment of Iran’s nuclear program made by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) when the UN agency’s board of governors meets in Vienna on 2-3 February.
Douste-Blazy advocated a firm response to Iran’s decision to resume its uranium-enrichment activities, saying the international community should stand united to convince Iran to suspend its nuclear program.
Earlier today, China insisted that priority be given to dialogue and diplomacy in the dispute.
The United States and the European Union suspect Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons.
(RIA-Novosti, Russian television, AP, AFP)
Iran's Nuclear Program
THE COMPLETE PICTURE: RFE/RL's complete coverage of controversy surrounding Iran's nuclear program.