Iran warms to Russia, nuclear watchdog

TEHRAN, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- Iran's leadership wants closer and better ties with Russia and the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency, reports from Tehran said Wednesday.

During a brief visit by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Tuesday night, a spokesman quoted Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as saying, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has serious plans to develop cooperation with Russia," the RIA Novosti news agency reported Wednesday.

Ahmadinejad reportedly vowed Iran's nuclear program was fully transparent to the monitoring of the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency and the country was in compliance with international regulations.

Later this week, the five permanent Security Council members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- along with Germany are scheduled to hold talks on whether to call for increased sanctions against Tehran. There is concern Iran's program could lead to the development of nuclear weapons, which the country denies.

Later in November, the IAEA will report to the United Nations on what its inspectors have learned about the program.