"The new proposed resolution... that is now being discussed in the UN Security Council largely reflects our approach," Lavrov said.

"The proposal focuses on those spheres of nuclear activity that concern the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) -- enrichment of uranium, chemical processing and heavy water programmes as well as limiting deliveries... of goods and technology related to creating nuclear weapons delivery systems," Lavrov said.

"We think that on that basis it will be possible to achieve a consensus decision of the UN Security Council that would induce the Iranians to sit down at the negotiating table and ensure active and full cooperation with the IAEA on all remaining questions about Iran's nuclear activities," Lavrov said.

Lavrov's comments came after he spoke with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about outstanding obstacles to agreement of a resolution.

Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Monday that Russia still objected to a plan to impose travel restrictions on persons and entities thought to be involved in nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The West suspects Iran is developing a nuclear weapons programme under cover of a civil nuclear energy programme. Tehran denies this.

Russia, a permanent Security Council member, has close ties to Iran and has balked at earlier international proposals for UN sanctions against Tehran, but has lately appeared more amenable.

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