The Iran Six must seize the opportunity granted by Iran's desire to hold talks by arranging a meeting as soon as possible, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Tuesday.

"The Iranian side does not avoid dialogue - this is a positive moment," he said, adding that it was important to get things moving as quickly.

He gave no further details of any meeting between the Iran Six (Russia, the U.S., China, Britain, Germany and France) and the Islamic Republic.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last week Tehran was ready to resume a dialogue with the Iran Six, but would put off talks until the end of August in order to "punish" the West for imposing fresh sanctions over its nuclear program.

The sanctions, adopted by UN Security Council on June 9, include tougher financial controls and an expanded arms embargo, as well as an asset ban on three dozen companies and a travel freeze on individuals.

MOSCOW, July 6 (RIA Novosti)