MOSCOW, September 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is opposed to any new United Nations measures against Iran over its disputed nuclear program for now, the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.

The statement came after six world powers met on Friday to discuss a fourth round of UN sanctions against the Islamic Republic suspected of seeking to develop nuclear weapons. The meeting in Washington brought no agreement.

Tehran insists it pursues nuclear research to generate electricity.

"We spoke out against extra measures by the UN Security Council at the current stage," the ministry said. "The Russian side stressed the need to continue efforts to get Tehran engaged in a constructive dialogue aimed at starting a process of negotiations."

The United States and other Western powers have pushed for tougher sanctions against Iran for its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment - a process needed both in electricity generation and weapons production - and ensure access to its nuclear facilities.

Russia and China, veto wielding Security Council members with strong business interests in Iran, have opposed the tougher punishment.