Britain's Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett urged Iran to accept the EU's internationally backed package of proposals on its nuclear programme after the UN Security Council hit Tehran with an ultimatum.
Welcoming the resolution, Beckett said she was "delighted that it has been adopted by such an overwhelming majority, underlining again that the international community is united and determined to see that Iran does not acquire the means to develop nuclear weapons."
The United Nations Security Council tightened the pressure on Iran for its nuclear programme by ordering Tehran to halt its controversial work by August 31 or face possible sanctions.
"Iran now has a legal obligation to suspend all activities related to enrichment and reprocessing," Beckett said.
"We remain committed to a negotiated solution," she added.
"On June 6, (European Union's foreign policy chief) Javier Solana presented Iran with far-reaching proposals, backed by the US, Russia and China, which would provide the framework for a more constructive relationship between Iran and the EU, and give Iran everything it needs to achieve its stated ambition of a civil nuclear power industry, while meeting international concerns.
"We are deeply disappointed that Iran has given no indication that it is ready to engage seriously on these proposals, nor taken the steps necessary for talks to begin.
"The proposals remain on the table, and I urge Iran to take the positive path on offer."
