"Iran recognises the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and its rules -- we will see any irresponsible interference as a serious threat and we demand a non-discriminatory approach," Davudi was quoted by Russia's RIA Novosti news agency as saying.

Davudi was speaking during a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) -- an Asian regional grouping powered by Moscow and Beijing that Iran joined as an observer earlier this year.

"Iran announces it is ready for negotiations on its nuclear programme with all members of the IAEA and other countries without preconditions," Davudi continued.

The IAEA is set to meet on November 24 to decide on whether or not to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over a nuclear programme that US and European Union officials fear is secretly developing nuclear weapons.

A meeting of the IAEA in September found Iran in non-compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, with Russia abstaining from the vote.

Moscow has repeatedly supported Tehran's "right" to nuclear energy and is seen by diplomats and analysts as a key player in upcoming talks.

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