"We believe that Iran should take full consideration of the concerns of the international community and take constructive steps," Wen told a news conference after a European Union-China summit in Helsinki.

However, he warned: "To mount pressure or to take sanctions will not necessarily bring about a peaceful solution."

"So it is our hope that the international community and parties will exercise caution on this matter and continue to work for a peaceful solution," he added.

Wen was speaking as EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and top Iranian nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani began last-ditch talks in Vienna to avert UN sanctions over Tehran's atomic ambitions.