Iran said yesterday that the European Union (EU) "could have been more realistic" when the bloc issued a statement supporting consultations on sanctions over Tehran's nuclear program, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

"It (the statement) does not reflect at all the constructive trend of negotiations between (Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Ali)Larijani and (EU foreign policy chief Javier) Solana and goodwill shown by the Islamic Republic of Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad-Ali Hosseini was quoted as saying.

EU foreign ministers on Tuesday adopted a statement that Iran's continuation of enrichment related activities has left the EU no choice but to support consultations on sanctions.

They also expressed deep concern that Iran has not yet suspended its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities.

They reiterated that if Iran did not comply with UN Security Council's requirements, the EU would "work for the adoption of measures under Article 41 of the UN Charter," which stipulates economic and diplomatic sanctions.

"Even though we consider Europe's interest in the continuation of talks as positive, Europe should sincerely and seriously prepare suitable situation for any initial negotiations without preconditions," Hosseini said.

Iran will pursue its legitimate rights through diplomatic and legal channels, he said, adding that there is no doubt about the correctness of the path that Iran has chosen to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Meanwhile, Larijani warned Wednesday that any possible UN Security Council sanction against Tehran over its nuclear program would cripple the chance of a peaceful solution to the issue. Although continuing talks with Solana is still possible, "any new (UN Security Council) resolution would diminish the chance of an agreement," he said, adding UN sanctions "would be considered as a threat to Iran's security and will change our attitude."