Russia and China won't support any resolution of the United Nations Security Council that could lead to military action against Iran, Russia's foreign minister said Tuesday.

The two countries agree that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved "through dialogue," Sergey Lavrov told reporters after meeting with Chinese officials in Beijing.

"Russia and China will not vote for the use of force in resolving this issue," Lavrov said.

Western countries have been pressuring Iran to stop developing nuclear technology, fearing Tehran plans to make atomic bombs.

The United States had hoped the Security Council would declare Iran's nuclear work a threat to world peace, allowing the UN to impose sanctions or possibly launch military action.

* FROM MAY 3, 2006: Iran close to having reactor quality uranium

As permanent members, either China or Russia could veto any Security Council resolution authorizing force against Iran.

Despite fierce criticism, Iran has repeatedly rejected calls to stop enriching uranium. It says it has the right to develop nuclear technology in order to generate electricity.

On Monday, the European Union offered to share the most sophisticated civilian nuclear technology with Iran if it stops its uranium enrichment program.

"China approves of the Europeans' important stance of striving to solve the Iran nuclear issue through peaceful negotiation," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao on Tuesday.

Liu suggested that Iran should look positively on the European efforts, and called on all sides to negotiate.