Russia Urges Iran To Cooperate With UN Nuclear Agency

Vitaly Churkin, Russian ambassador to the United Nations (file photo)

Russia has urged Iran to cooperate with the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Russia's ambassador to the UN, Vitaly Churkin, said it would be in Iran's interest to clear up "outstanding questions" on its nuclear program.

Churkin said the only way to resolve the standoff was through "constructive dialogue" between Tehran and the six countries tasked with negotiating with Iran, the so-called P5+1.

Churkin said UN sanctions against Iran were meant to send a signal to Iran about the need for full cooperation with the IAEA, and to give impetus to the negotiating process.