Russia Calls Iran Talks 'Constructive' Despite Differences

Russia on Friday called the latest round of talks on the Iranian nuclear standoff "constructive" despite big differences that remain as the parties head for more negotiations in Moscow next month.

"The round was held in a constructive and business-like atmosphere despite the significant differences in approaches that remain," the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Iran and world powers failed to bridge their differences over Tehran's controversial uranium enrichment program at extended talks that concluded on Thursday in Baghdad.

The parties agreed to meet again in Moscow on June 18-19 as the July 1 deadline for the enforcement of an EU embargo on Iranian oil looms.

Russia said world powers offered Iran a set of "concrete proposals" in Baghdad concerning its controversial enrichment of uranium to 20 percent.

"For its part, Iran declared its readiness to hold further discussions about the 20-percent enrichment issue, together with the discussion of an entire range of other issues of interest to Tehran, including the recognition of its right to enrich (uranium)," the Russian statement said.

Moscow has promoted a "step-by-step" solution to the crisis that involves gradually lifting four rounds of U.N. Security Council sanctions against its trading partner in exchange for Tehran's cooperation over its nuclear program.