"Unlike the United States, Russia believes Iran's nuclear program needs to be resolved only through dialogue. Any use of force will further complicate the issue and will cause tension in the region," Ivanov was quoted as saying.

Ivanov made the remarks during a meeting with Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani, the report said.

Arriving in Tehran late Saturday night, the senior Russian official's visit to Iran is to focus on Iran's controversial nuclear activities and new proposals by the European Union trio of Germany, France and Britain which offer incentives if Tehran suspends uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if it continues.

Diplomats of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany met in London on May 24 and discussed the new proposals of the EU trio but stopped short of making a final agreement.

Foreign ministers of the six nations are expected to hold more talks on the EU package late this week.

Washington has accused Tehran of using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to develop atomic bombs, a charge denied by Iran, which insists its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

Russia offered last year to produce nuclear fuel on Russians oil for Iran in order to ease fears that Iran would divert uranium into warheads.

Talks broke down when Iran insisted uranium enrichment had to be carried out on its own territory.