Russia has refused to support a draft resolution presented by the United States and Bahrain on Iran at the United Nations Security Council and has called for the proposal to be withdrawn.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Alimov said Moscow saw no positive prospect in the US-Bahrain draft and would therefore not support it.
In an interview with a Russian newspaper, he said Russia had urged the United States and Bahrain to withdraw the resolution and avoid rushing the matter.
Alimov said an alternative draft prepared by Russia and China remained on the negotiating table, stressing an end to the conflict, restraint in the use of force and the settlement of disputes through dialogue.
He said the Russian-Chinese proposal also referred to the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation in the Gulf region, though no final decision had yet been reached on the resolution.
The Russian deputy foreign minister expressed concern over the recent attacks involving Iran and the United States, saying Moscow had consistently supported an unconditional end to violence and a political and diplomatic settlement.
He said Russia hoped the negotiating process would eventually produce positive results and pave the way for a lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Russian officials warned that any move hindering diplomatic efforts could raise concerns for peace and stability in the region.
