US President George W. Bush said Monday in Brussels that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and should halt its support for terrorism.

In a speech delivered here, Bush said he is working closely with European allies such as Britain, France and Germany.

The three European countries, the biggest in the 25-member European Union (EU), are seeking a diplomatic deal offering Teheran trade and aid in exchange for giving up its alleged bid to produce nuclear weapons.

The US president avoided mention of whether the US government will join the EU diplomatic bid and did not rule out using military means to force Iran to give up any ambition of developing nuclear bombs.

"The results of this now depend largely on Iran. For the sake of peace the Iranian regime must end its support of terrorism and must not develop nuclear weapons," Bush said.

Next week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will hold a meeting with Iran's nuclear issue high on its agenda.

Iranian authorities have reiterated that it has the right to develop nuclear programs for peaceful purposes.