Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, is in the Russian capital for talks on his country's disputed nuclear programme. He is due to meet Russia's Security Council and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the latest of a series of discussions over

“Russia is our friend, our relations are rooted in history,” Larijani said. “Our viewpoints on settlement of Iran's nuclear problem are close,” he added.

The issue has become a major international controversy, with the United States pushing to impose sanctions on the country. Russia says the dispute must be resolved diplomatically, offering to enrich uranium on Russian soil, which it says still stands.

Iran insists its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes. While the UN Security Council continues to meet on the subject, there is still no clear solution. Russia says it will push for a rapid start to further international talks.