Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, whose country currently holds the EU's presidency, welcomed the US administration's change of policy by deciding to "actively support" the EU talks with Iran.

"We welcome the support we have received from the international community," said Asselborn after Iran was discussed at a regular meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

"It is very important that we have the support of the US and Russia and China," he said. "Our hope is that things will continue to move in a positive direction. It is important to create the necessary political momentum."

The United States accuses Iran of using an atomic energy drive as a cover for developing nuclear weapons, and has threatened to take the issue to the UN Security Council. The EU is in contrast offering Tehran the prospect of trade and other benefits in return for guarantees about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.

But Washington announced last week it will offer some economic and other incentives to Iran, and notably agreed to drop its objection to Iran's application to join the World Trade Organization.

In response, the Europeans have now joined the United States in threatening to take the matter before the UN Security Council if Iran does not renounce its enrichment and reprocessing activities.

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