"We are expecting to have results in the near future," Lavrov said at a news conference when asked about the plan announced earlier as a possible way to resolve the stand-off over Iran's nuclear programme.

The proposal to carry out uranium enrichment on Iran's behalf would let Tehran carry out an initial step in making nuclear fuel -- converting uranium ore into the uranium hexafluoride gas that is the feedstock for making enriched uranium.

Russia has staunchly backed Iran's right to a civilian nuclear energy programme, but the United States has alleged the Tehran's effort is a cover to develop weapons.

However diplomats said this week that the United States and the European Union were ready to compromise and let Iran carry out the first stage of making nuclear fuel.

"Russia is cooperating closely with the EU troika, the United States and the IAEA to resolve politically all the questions linked to the Iranian nuclear programme," Lavrov said Friday.

A November 24 meeting of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could refer Iran to the UN Security Council after the agency found Iran in non-compliance with the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

However Russia's position is crucial as it could block with its veto any attempt other members of the Council to impose sanctions on Iran over its nuclear activities.

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