The package, compiled by the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany, was presented to Iran on June 6. It included a wide range of economic, political and energy incentives such as recognizing Iran's rights to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

"Our goal is to develop relations and cooperation with Iran based on mutual respect and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program," said the major powers.

The package promised support for the establishment of light water reactors in Iran along with the provision of a reliable supply of nuclear fuel from Russia.

The six countries also said they would improve Iran's access to the international economy through practical support for Iran's full integration into the World Trade Organization. They also promised cooperation in such fields as civil aviation, energy, telecommunications infrastructure, high technology and agriculture.

For Iran's part, it would have to suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities to be verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iran would also have to "address all the outstanding concerns of the IAEA through full cooperation."

The six countries met in Paris on Wednesday, saying they would refer Iran back to the UN Security Council for possible sanctions since it had failed to give an answer to the offer. The 15-member Security Council will attempt to adopt a resolution next week that would make the suspension mandatory.

Iran has said it would not respond to the offer officially until Aug. 22, calling for patience from the six nations.