VIENNA, September 13 (RIA Novosti) - Russia believes that talks on the Iranian nuclear issue may still be held, a Russian permanent representative to international organizations in Vienna said.

Iran has been at the center of an international dispute this year over its nuclear ambitions. Some countries suspect the Islamic Republic of pursuing a covert weapons program, but Tehran has consistently denied the claims and says it needs nuclear energy for civilian needs.

"We believe that today it is possible... to launch talks aimed at finding a diplomatic long-term resolution of the Iranian nuclear problem," Grigory Berdennikov said at a session of the IAEA Board of Governors.

He urged Iran "to ensure effective cooperation with the [International Atomic Energy] Agency on the basis of resolutions of the IAEA Board of Governors and the UN Security Council."

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1696 July 31, demanding that Iran suspend uranium enrichment by August 31 or face possible economic and diplomatic sanctions. However, an IAEA report said Tehran has refused to suspend the program and has blocked IAEA inspectors from inspecting Iran's nuclear facilities.

The Russian diplomat also highlighted the UN nuclear watchdog's central role in the resolution of the Iranian problem.