"I think the whole world, to include Israel, is trying to find a diplomatic and peaceful solution to this problem," Powell told CNBC.

He said he had no information on rumors that Israel might launch pre-emptive strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities if Israeli officials suspect Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon.

Earlier, Iran and the European Union failed to agree on getting Tehran to suspend all uranium enrichment activities but will hold more talks on the matter, an Iranian official said after a meeting in Vienna.

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