The offer "remains on the negotiating table and is an important component in the search for a solution," he was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti state news agency.

Under the Russian proposal, Iran's uranium would be enriched on Russian soil for use in an Iranian civilian nuclear power programme. That, Moscow says, would ensure Iran was unable to divert any of the fuel to a secret military project.

However, Iran has indicated it will not accept the deal, saying it must be allowed full energy independence.

Lavrov's reiteration of the idea came as International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei was due to visit Tehran.

The UN Security Council set a 30-day deadline on March 29 for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment activities.

Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed again Monday not to give in to the demand and many diplomats say the United Nations may be forced to take action.

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