Russia opposes Iran gaining nuclear arms know-how

MOSCOW, Apr 24 (Reuters) Moscow is ''categorically opposed'' to Iran gaining the knowledge that would allow it to develop nuclear weapons, three Russian news agencies quoted a Kremlin source as saying today.

Russia, which has a veto on the United Nations Security Council, has not supported Washington's efforts to secure international consensus on sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Washington believes Iran is developing nuclear weapons under the cover of its civilian nuclear programme -- something denied in Tehran.

''We are categorically opposed to a creeping spread of weapons of mass destruction, opposed to Iran having the technical knowledge that would allow it to become a nuclear power,'' the source was quoted as saying by RIA, Interfax and Itar-Tass agencies.

''It is another issue how to tactically achieve this goal. On this question Russia has differences with the United States ...

A solution through force is categorically unacceptable to us.'' The agencies did not say if the source mentioned sanctions.

Russia has close ties with Tehran, and has built a nuclear power station for it on the Gulf coast at Bushehr despite US opposition.

The UN's nuclear watchdog is to report by Friday on whether Iran was abiding by its demands to halt uranium enrichment and answer outstanding queries about its nuclear programme.

Reuters SHB KP2113