MOSCOW. March 13 (Interfax) - Russia may back tougher sanctions against Iran in a vote on a new United Nations' Security Council resolution, President of the Politics foundation Vyacheslav Nikonov said.

Russia has adhered to a gradual line within the framework of the Iranian nuclear problem, he said.

Moscow initially called for the issue to be resolved through political means within the framework of UN Security Council decisions, and stated the necessity of Tehran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and that it is unacceptable that Iran acquires nuclear arms, he said.

"Tehran has since ignored a UN Security Council resolution backed by Russia, resorting to the most offensive rhetoric, which was addressed toward our country as well," Nikonov said.