Russia is worried about the possibility of a military action against Iran over its nuclear programme, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

“We are concerned about the increasing number of reports claiming that a military strike against Iran was seriously being considered,” Lavrov said.

Lavrov said a war in Iran would have serious repercussions, outlining the already tense situation in the Middle East caused by the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

“That is a threat to a region where there are already grave problems in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he added after talks with his French counterpart Bernard Kouchner.

The turmoil was sparked by Kouchner, who said late Sunday that countries shouldn’t be caught unprepared by a possible conflict triggered by Iran’s nuclear programme. But the French diplomat said his “message was one of peace, serious and determined,” not a call for war. 

“War is the worst case. To avoid that, the French stance is negotiate, negotiate, negotiate until the end,” Kouchner said.

Kouchner said France will work with other European countries “on credible sanctions against Iran,” criticizing the Tehran government for defying the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

Russia, one of the most influential members of the Security Council, didn’t agree with sanctions against Iran. This policy comes in total contrast with France’s beliefs, the French foreign minister saying the international community demands “an answer as to why the Iranians want to engage in uranium enrichment.”

Kouchner said nuclear weapons represent “one of the greatest dangers at the beginning of the 21st century” and Tehran must end its nuclear programme until its alleged peaceful purpose is proved.

He said through sanctions, the Tehran government will be forced to disclose unknown aspects of its long-disputed programme.

One day after Kouchner’s statement Iranian officials expressed their discontent, saying France is siding with the United States against Iran and may disrupt negotiations between Tehran, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and European Union.

Iran reiterated that is not building weapons of mass destruction and its nuclear programme serves only the energetic sector.

Last month, France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy said this nuclear dispute must end because it would eventually lead to “a catastrophic alternative: an Iranian bomb or the bombing of Iran.”

IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei said such harsh words can only deepen the crisis and urged countries to leave aside controversial statements which could harm the cooperation with Tehran.

ElBaradei said there is no convincing evidence about Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons programme, adding that “clear and present danger” does not exist.

During his discussions with Lavrov, the French official said he will tackle the Kosovo issue, press freedom and the alleged violations of human rights.