It is a "good option" to solve the Iran nuclear dispute through diplomatic means, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said yesterday.

This accords with the interests of all parties, Kong said at a regular press conference held in Beijing Tuesday.

Kong urged all parties concerned to exercise restraint, be patient and try their utmost to resume talks.

The Chinese side will make its own effort to solve the issue, Kong added.

Iran removed UN seals at its Natanz nuclear research facility last Tuesday, drawing international condemnation.

China, together with Britain, France, Germany, the United States and Russia, held a meeting Monday in London to unofficially discuss the nuclear situation in Iran.

"This is an important meeting," Kong said, adding that all parties involved were concerned about Iran's resumption of nuclear research.

All agreed that it is "fairly important" for Iran to come back to the negotiating table, Kong added.

All parties concerned expressed the wish that they are willing to work for resolving the Iran nuclear standoff through diplomatic means. This is a clear signal that the international community has sent to Iran: it should resume diplomatic talks and solve the nuclear crisis properly by cooperating with the international community.