The European Union insisted today that diplomacy was the right approach with Iran after US President George W. Bush said he would not rule out military action if Iran was not forthcoming about its nuclear programme.
Britain, Germany and France have sought to persuade Tehran to give up technology that can be used to make nuclear warheads in return for incentives such as trade deals and help with a civilian nuclear programme.
"We are working with our Iranian partners in good faith as I trust they are working with us in good faith. We will pursue that path as long as it's possible and fruitful to do so," said Commission external affairs spokeswoman Ms Emma Udwin.
"We hope there will be no need to consider any other options," she told a news briefing.
The EU last week resumed negotiations with Iran on a trade and co-operation agreement after Tehran agreed to freeze uranium enrichment, a process that can be useful in bomb-making.
Washington has accused Tehran of secretly trying to make the atom bomb and has distanced itself from the EU effort, insisting Iran must be brought before the UN Security Council and face economic sanctions unless it proves the suspicions unfounded.
President Bush went further yesterday, saying Washington would not rule out military action against Iran if it was not more forthcoming about the suspected nuclear weapons programme. Iran denies its nuclear facilities are to be used to make nuclear weapons.