Iran on Saturday reaffirmed it has no intention to suspend uranium enrichment and invited Western powers to return to negotiations over its sensitive nuclear programme.
"With regard to the issue of suspension of uranium enrichment, we have always said that we do not see any reason for it," Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told reporters.
"This activity by the Islamic republic is legal and part of its rights under the (nuclear) Non-Proliferation Treaty" he added.
"We advise them (western powers) to return to negotiations and not to try what they have already tried," Mottaki said, without elaborating.
Iran ignored an August 31 deadline set by the Security Council to freeze uranium enrichment, a process that can be used to produce nuclear reactor fuel but also for bomb-making.
Tehran rejects US-led charges that it is seeking a covert nuclear weapons capability, insisting that its atomic program is entirely peaceful and aims to generate electricity.
Despite intensive talks between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Islamic republic has flatly refused to halt its enrichment programme and the UN Security Council is now working on a resolution that would allow for economic sanctions against Tehran.
French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie on Friday suggested that it was not too late for Iran to make concessions to avoid the Security Council sanctions.
"If Iran really shows goodwill, France and its partners are prepared to suspend the (sanctions) procedure in the Security Council," Alliot-Marie told reporters.
Mottaki said, however, he hoped the issue "returns to the International Atomic Energy Agency."
"We hope the Security Council comes to its senses and deals with its responsibilities. Unfortunately, the Council has not had a good performance during the past year," he said.