Moscow opposes strike against Iran: Russian FM

MOSCOW - Moscow opposed the use of force against Iran since it would destroy efforts to solve the Iranian nuclear problem, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned Wednesday.

The strike against Iran would be "a shortcut to destruction" of all efforts to settle the thorny issue, Lavrov told a news conference after he addressed the Federation Council, upper house of the parliament.

Moscow believed the only way out of this controversy laid through negotiations between the Group of Six international mediators and Teheran, Lavrov said, hinting there was hope the solution toward this problem was nearing.

The international community could recognize Iran's right for uranium enrichment in case Teheran settles issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to a statement published on the Foreign Ministry's website.

"Iran and IAEA have also planned contacts in the nearest future, to discuss these issues and settle them consequently," Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, international players should rather encourage Israel and Iran for dialogue instead of spreading rumors about " inevitable" conflicts between the two sides, Lavrov said.

"I would admonish all who offer these panic scenarios about looming conflict between Iran and Israel. It is necessary to focus on encouraging the dialogue," said Lavrov.

The United States and Israel have not ruled out the possibility of striking Iran's nuclear facilities. The Islamic republic threatened to retaliate if its nuclear establishments were hit.