"We are still holding out our hand," he told journalists.

He noted that the sensitive issue was before the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and said that "it's not for today" that the UN Security Council would be asked to take action.

"We are hoping that we can find a joint solution to keep the positive spirit of the Paris accords," he said.

That was in reference to a November 2004 agreement between the European Union -- represented by France, Britain and Germany -- and Iran which provided for Tehran shutting down nuclear work that could lead to weapons development in exchange for trade deals and a guaranteed supply of fuel for its nuclear power plants under construction.

France and its EU partners called the IAEA meeting to give Iran a final warning over its decision to resume uranium ore conversion, the first step in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Although Europe has warned the matter may eventually be taken to the UN Security Council with a demand for sanctions against Iran if the nuclear activities continue, diplomats hope Tehran will back down in face of an IAEA admonition.

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