"We expect that the United States, considering the fresh approach that seems to be noticeable in regard to Iran, will be able to make a more effective contribution in resolving these questions than in recent years," said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

"We attach particular significance to the declared intention of the new administration in Washington to start direct dialogue with Iran," he told a news conference with EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and other EU officials.

"We're sure this will help the common efforts of the six" international powers dealing with the Iranian nuclear case, he added.

Lavrov spoke after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Tuesday that Tehran was ready for dialogue with the United States as long as there was a climate of mutual respect.

Obama on Monday said he hoped to create the conditions for face-to-face dialogue with Iran in the months ahead, after the previous administration of George W. Bush shied away from direct talks.

Western countries suspect Iran is creating a nuclear weapons programme under cover of its stated drive for civilian nuclear energy, a charge denied by Tehran.

Russia is among six international powers dealing with the Iranian nuclear case, which include the five permanent United Nations Security Council members plus Germany.

The European Union has been carrying out direct talks with Iran on behalf of the six powers, with Solana leading the negotiations.

"We expect the efforts of Javier Solana and his colleagues on behalf of the six on creating conditions for the start of a negotiation process will continue and meet with success," Lavrov said.