Russia's Lavrov says worried by talk of Iran strike

MOSCOW, Feb 26 (Reuters) Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today he was worried by talk of possible military strikes against Iran, Interfax news agency reported.

''Forecasts and suggestions about a military strike on Iran have become more frequent and this is worrying,'' Lavrov was quoted as saying during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

''Those who are discussing this topic include the US vice president who, during a recent visit to Australia, said that he did not exclude such an option,'' he said.

US Vice President Dick Cheney said ''all options are on the table'' following Iran's failure to heed a UN deadline for halting uranium enrichment.

The Bush administration has long maintained that it is focused on diplomacy but tacitly acknowledges that the military option has not been ruled out.

An Iranian deputy foreign minister responded by saying Iran was prepared even for war.

Washington suspects Iran of developing nuclear weapons. Tehran says it wants a nuclear programme purely to generate electricity.

REUTERS PB PM1659