Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Thursday night, condemning Britain, France and Germany's attempt on the same day to force a UN Security Council resolution to restore sanctions on Iran, saying Iran is determined to continue its peaceful nuclear program while retaining the "right to respond."

The statement said the move was ¡°illegal, unreasonable and provocative and seriously damaged the current diplomatic process¡±, further eroding the credibility of the Security Council and undermining the nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, in the absence of consensus and opposition from several members of the Security Council.

The statement warned that if the relevant Security Council sanctions resolutions were therefore resumed, the United States and the British Federation would bear full responsibility.

Iran reiterated its determination to continue its peaceful nuclear program, while safeguarding its rights and interests through diplomacy and other means, and reserves the right to respond accordingly to ¡°any illegal act¡±.Iran called on all responsible members of the international community to refuse to force the Security Council to restore sanctions on Iraq.