Russia sees "real chance" of resolving Iran crisis

MOSCOW, June 1 (Reuters) Russia today welcomed a US offer to hold direct talks with Tehran and said it provided a ''real chance'' to resolve the crisis surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

''Moscow welcomes the American side's announcement on its readiness to join direct talks with Tehran with the aim of resolving the situation surrounding Iran's nuclear programme,'' the foreign ministry said in a statement.

''Today a real chance has appeared to achieve (such) a settlement,'' the ministry said, referring to Washington's offer to hold direct talks with Tehran on its nuclear programme if Iran stopped enriching uranium.

A senior US official has said Washington's offer was a policy shift that had won over Russia and China to pursuing sanctions against Tehran if it spurned sweeteners.

''We call on Iran to constructively respond to it,'' Russia said, as world powers meet in Vienna to try to agree on a plan to resolve the dispute.

Reuters SI VV1550