The response is very timely. It would also make sense for President Obama to deny such reports. One cannot imagine any benefit of asking Russia to convince Iran to drop its nuclear "ambitions", assuming that means giving up its presumably covert effort to develop nuclear weapons, since Russia does not see Iranian nuclear program threatening to either Russia or the region. Russia has always maintained that Iranian program is peaceful. Russia has joined others in calling for the moratorium on enrichment, but Russia has resisted the ever-creaping regime of sanctions. The entire premise of moratorium on enrichment has already lost its original purpose --- the goodwill gesture to open a dialogue with US. It is clear that only Iran and US in direct dialogue can reach a level of understanding that would satisfy both nations. Russia will not bargain with other countries' interests, and US cannot be seen to use the missile shield as a threat to Russia. As long as the Secretary of State, Clinton, declares that the chances of talking to Iran are small, little can be done by other well-wishers. So far, Iran has taken every opportunity to express its willingness --- even eagerness --- to establish dialogue with US. This is a window of opportunity that US needs to take. Russia has an ongoing economic and military ties with Iran, and values the relationship. The suspicion on the part of US about the peacefll nature of Iran's nuclear program can only be addressed by the parties themselves.