All the G8 members have the same view on the Iranian nuclear problem, said Russian Presidential Aide and G8 Sherpa Igor Shuvalov at a briefing. "The sides confirmed this at the G8 summit in St. Petersburg," he recalled.

"Russia is proceeding from its interests, and is making only strategic decisions on Iran," Shuvalov said. "For tactical reasons, it is necessary to exercise great caution in tackling this problem."

"Iran is located close to Russian territory, it has many young people, and any inconsiderate action may push it away for many decades," the Presidential Aide said.

"Russia is by no means going to contribute to the development of nuclear weapons in Iran," he said. If Iran acquires these weapons, it "will be bad for Russia." Shuvalov recalled Russia's useful initiative to set up centers for the enrichment of fissionable materials. "It will preserve the nuclear non-proliferation regime," he said.

The Russian Sherpa declared that Russia still has an opportunity to join the sanctions against Iran. "At the same time, now we proceed from the premise that it is necessary to display caution in respect of Iran."

"Economic sanctions or military operations against Iran will encourage Iranian people to support the government and the uranium enrichment program," Shuvalov said.

"It will be dangerous if 60 million Iranians decide to back the program of non-peaceful uranium enrichment," he warned. "The Russian President said that sanctions may have the opposite effect from the one intended, and this is true."

Igor Shuvalov pointed out that the package of proposals submitted by the "5 plus one" to Iran was "well balanced, and offered certain opportunities to the Iranians."

"They did not want to use them, but this is their decision," he concluded.