"I am certain that Iran is ready for talks to begin as soon as possible, all issues can be discussed during these negotiations," RIA-Novosti news agency quoted Iranian envoy to Russia Gholamreza Ansari as saying.

He was responding to a question on whehter Iran would consider suspending its uranium enrichment activities, seen by the US and allies as Tehran's attempt to make nuclear weapons, if the negotiations resumed.

Ansari said suspending Iran's nuclear programme could be considered if talks are restarted with the sextet comprising Russia, US, UK, China, France and Germany.

"We believe that all issues can be discussed during talks. Therefore, Iran supports all measures backed by logic," he was quoted as saying by Interfax.

A draft resolution is expected to be circulated within days at the UN Security Council, and diplomats have said it would introduce limited sanctions.

Ansari's comments came a day after Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow remains hopeful that talks will resume with Iran on its nuclear programme.

"I think the consultations taking place now will help all parties to understand better that there is a real possibility, a real chance on this path to reach an agreement that would open the way to negotiations," Lavrov said at a joint press conference with Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the European Union's foreign relations commissioner.

"Russia will do everything in its power to achieve that," he said.