MOSCOW, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready, if necessary, to act as a mediator in peace talks between Iran and the United States, Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov told Russian newspaper Izvestia.

"Of course, if necessary, Russia is ready to provide mediation services," the Russian diplomat said.

The diplomat noted that although a renewal of U.S.-Iran dialogue appears improbable for now, the core objectives on both sides -- Washington's goal of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran and Tehran's demand for sanctions relief -- are unattainable through military force.

According to Ulyanov, Iran would welcome Russia's mediation. However, the Russian diplomat noted that the United States has made it clear it does not need intermediaries, believing it can manage on its own.

"The Americans are actually handling this very poorly," Ulyanov concluded. ■