Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi warned yesterday that any United Nations Security Council resolution forcing Teheran to suspend nuclear activities could draw a retaliation.

"Any slashing measures could face relevant reactions. If the other side chooses anything but the path of negotiations, of cause our attitude will change accordingly," Asefi told reporters.

"The Security Council is not the end of the world," he said, without elaborating on how Teheran could retaliate if the council passes a resolution that demands Iran suspend its nuclear enrichment.

The spokesman, however, also voiced a softer tone about Iran's nuclear programme, saying talks with world powers could include proposals to suspend uranium enrichment.

"Everything should come out through negotiations," Asefi said.

"Everything should be discussed during negotiations."

The European Union big three France, Britain and Germany introduced on Thursday a draft resolution on the Iranian nuclear issue to the UN Security Council, calling on Iran to suspend all enrichment-related activities.

The United States and some of its allies have accused Iran of working on highly enriched uranium and plutonium which are essential materials for making nuclear weapons, while Teheran has insisted on its right to develop a peaceful nuclear program aimed at generating electricity only.

On June 6, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana presented Iran with a package concerning the Iranian nuclear issue, which was agreed on by the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany.

The proposal includes both incentives aimed at persuading Iran to suspend uranium enrichment and possible sanctions if Iran does not comply.

Frustrated by Iran's refusal to give a speedy official response to the offer, the six countries agreed on July 12 to return Iran's nuclear issue to the UN Security Council.

Source: China Daily