The six nations, involved in talks with Iran over its controversial nuclear program, will continue to seek a diplomatic solution to the issue, but will also begin considering new sanctions, an EU official said on Sunday.

The Iran Six comprises five permanent members of the UN Security Council (Russia, the U.S., China, Britain, France) plus Germany.

"We will continue to seek a negotiated solution, but consideration of appropriate further measures has also begun," EU senior security adviser Robert Cooper, who chaired the meeting, said.

He did not specify the possible measures, but said the statement was made on behalf of the six nations.

The Iran Six have been trying to persuade Tehran to halt uranium enrichment it says it needs for electricity generation for economic and diplomatic incentives. Iran Six envoys last met in Geneva on October 1.

Iran is under a number of UN sanctions because of its nuclear ambitions. The West believes Tehran is pursuing a nuclear program to make weapons, an accusation Iran has denied.