MOSCOW, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. position complicates the resolution of the Iranian nuclear problem, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday.

    "A significant part of the problem, just as with the Korean Peninsula problem, is related to the U.S. unwillingness to normalize its relations with Tehran on the basis of commonly accepted principles," Lavrov was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying at a Foreign and Defense Policy Council conference.

    The flexibility the United States displayed in the standoff with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) could be well used in its approach to Iran. "Such approach will help resume talks on Iran's nuclear dossier," Lavrov said.

    "It is necessary to work out a new strategy, on a collective base, in order to settle the situation in Iraq and the Middle East," Lavrov said.

    "If we succeed in making corrections in Iraq's policy on a collective base, this will help meet the interests of Washington and Tehran that stake on the same government in the country," he said.