"This is a useful step," said Boucher.

"But it doesn't really make a difference until it's implemented and verified, and that's what counts."

The UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirmed Monday that Iran has pledged to suspend all uranium enrichment-related activities as of November 22.

The suspension came ahead of an IAEA meeting in Vienna on November 25 that will decide whether to take Iran to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions. By agreeing to a suspension, Iran is likely to escape such a fate.

The deal brokered by the so-called EU-3 offered Iran trade, security and technological incentives in return for the "confidence-building measures" aimed at easing widespread fears the regime is seeking nuclear weapons.

The United States believes it could get support from the IAEA to refer Iran to the Security Council if it fails to comply with its IAEA obligations and commitments to European nations.

Boucher said that the United States had been informed of details of the EU agreement through embassies in Washington and the IAEA en Vienna.

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