"The European Union and other countries should know that the UN Security Council and sanctions are an illegitimate means [of resolving Iran's nuclear problem], which disrupt talks and long-term cooperation, and are a serious mistake," the ministry said commenting on the EU's statement on Iran, adopted October 17.
The EU said in the statement it would support sanctions against Iran if the UN Security Council decides to impose them.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1696 July 31, demanding Iran suspend uranium enrichment by August 31 or face possible economic and diplomatic sanctions. However, an IAEA report said Tehran refuses to suspend its program and continues to block IAEA inspectors from inspecting its nuclear facilities.
"Iran will give a positive response to any friendly initiatives, and will adopt an appropriate position on any policy based on threats and pressure, because the Islamic Republic still calls on the European side to resume talks," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
The six powers mediating the Iranian nuclear issue, the five permanent UN Security Council members, plus Germany, have been trying to persuade Iran to accept a package of incentives, and to suspend uranium enrichment, which many countries believe is the beginning of an Iranian nuclear weapons program.
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said earlier Friday that the UN Security Council has ruined its reputation, while its resolutions have become irrelevant.
"The U.S. and the U.K. want to censure us [over Iran's nuclear program] by using the UN Security Council, but its resolutions have lost their relevance and authority," he said, adding that Iran is ready to sell nuclear fuel to the West at a heavy discount.
"The West is opposed to any progress in this country, and its offer of help is a lie, pure and simple," he said. "Why should they supply us with nuclear fuel? We will produce our own nuclear fuel over the next five years, selling it at a 50% discount."
He said Iran fully honors its international obligations in the nuclear realm and intends to pursue its peaceful nuclear program.
Last week, the United States and Britain renewed their calls for international sanctions against Iran after negotiations between the country's key nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana failed to produce any breakthrough.
