Russia backs plan for 'time-out' on Iran nuclear dispute

Russia today signalled that it backs a “time-out” proposed by the head of the UN nuclear watchdog agency that calls for holding off on imposing UN sanctions if Tehran suspends uranium enrichment.

“We believe the initiative put forward by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head … suggesting that Iran suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for the UN Security Council’s reciprocal step regarding resolution 1737 deserves close attention,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a Moscow statement.