Iran should be referred to the UN Security Council if it insists on resuming nuclear activities in defiance of the mediation efforts by Britain, France and Germany, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy said Monday.

Tehran has set Aug. 1 as the deadline for the three European countries to present a package of proposals for security, economic and political incentives in exchange for a nuclear deal.

"The ultimatum by the Iranians seems like a pretext for taking a unilateral decision," Douste-Blazy told the French TV5 channel.

He suggested that the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA), the UN nuclear watchdog, hold a special session to discuss the issue.

"It seems to us that if Iran fails to go back on its choice, then we shall have to ask for an extraordinary meeting of the IAEA's board of governors ... If despite this, Iran were to continue, we shall have to refer the issue to the Security Council," he said.

However, noting that negotiation is the best solution to the problem, Douste-Blazy called on Iran to continue talks with the European Union (EU).

He said talks promise chances to all parties concerned in the issue and Iran should seize the opportunity.

Iran suspended all activities related to uranium conversion and enrichment last November over EU pledges of political and economic incentives.

Source: Xinhua