Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov warned on Friday Iran may be referred to the United Nations Security Council if it continues with its controversial nuclear research.

Iran removed UN seals at its Natanz nuclear research facility on Tuesday to pave the way for resumption of research into uranium enrichment, attracting condemnation from the European Union, the United States and many other countries.

Iran, however, says its nuclear work is merely designed to meet its energy needs and insists on the right to develop a full nuclear fuel cycle.

On Thursday, Germany, France and Britain called for Iran to be brought before the UN Security Council to face possible sanctions for resuming its nuclear research.

"In this situation, I cannot exclude such a possibility. It is rather likely," Ivanov, who is also deputy prime minister, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying.

But Ivanov insisted political and diplomatic means for solving the issue have not been exhausted and everything should be done to prevent the situation from developing toward a confrontational situation.

Russia, which is helping Iran build its first nuclear power plant in Bushehr, has proposed to enrich its uranium in a joint venture on the former Soviet republic's soil.

"The proposal is still on the table and is valid," Ivanov said.

Source: Xinhua