“We believe it is necessary to agree on the time and venue of the next round,” Ryabkov said, stressing the need for the meeting to be held as soon as possible, in October.

Russia would like the talks to be unaffected by the electoral process in Iran and the U.S., he added.

“The negotiating process should continue in any event, regardless of the outcome of elections in Iran or the United States,” Ryabkov said.

Iran and the group of countries comprising Britain, China, France, Russia, the US and Germany, known as P5+1, have held several rounds of talks over the Iranian nuclear issue.

The United States, Israel and some of their allies have accused Iran of pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy program.

Iran rejects these allegations, arguing that as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, it is entitled to develop and acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.