Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signalled that Moscow might be prepared to soften its opposition to sanctions against Iran over its nuclear plans.
Mr Medvedev, speaking after talks with US President Barack Obama, said that in some cases sanctions were "inevitable".
Earlier, a Russian official said Moscow could support fresh sanctions if there was enough evidence from UN inspectors.
Iran's president did not refer directly to the nuclear stand-off in his address to the UN General Assembly in New York.
However, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad spoke of countries which undermined the development of other nations under the pretext of preventing arms proliferation.
He used his speech to accuse Israel of "inhuman policies in Palestine" and condemn US-led military action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Iran was ready, he said, to shake all hands "that are honestly extended to us".
Several countries' delegations walked out of the assembly during Mr Ahmadinejad's speech, including France and the United States.
Missile move
President Obama wants a united position among the group of six global powers due to hold talks next week with Tehran on its nuclear programme.
Analysts say that if those talks yield nothing he wants to pursue tougher sanctions against Tehran.
Russia has so far opposed any fresh sanctions.
But last week President Obama dropped plans for an anti-missile defence shield close to Russian borders.
There was speculation that in exchange, Moscow would make a move on sanctions against Iran.
read more
