"Iran is currently cooperating" with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Lavrov was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying in remarks to young Russian diplomats.

"I think it would be absolutely irresponsible to make any sudden moves before the IAEA reports on what is happening in Iran, on whether it is a peaceful nuclear programme or whether (there) is a military component," Lavrov said.

His comments came after IAEA experts met Iranian officials in Tehran and as President Vladimir Putin said Russia had seen no information supporting charges led by the United States that Iran was seeking to build a nuclear bomb.

Putin, speaking after meeting French President Nicolas Sarkozy, said Russia shared the West's desire to ensure Iran's nuclear program was "absolutely transparent," but operated on the basis that Iran "does not have those plans."

Russia, which is helping build Iran's first nuclear reactor, has consistently said it has no evidence that Iran is trying to build a nuclear bomb.

Officials in Moscow have argued that because of its close geographical proximity to Iran, Russia has at least as big an interest as any other country in making sure that Tehran does not make its own atomic bomb.

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