LONDON, Oct 19 (AFP) - The foreign ministers of Britain and Germany issued a joint warning to Iran on Tuesday to address international worries about its nuclear programme, serving notice that Tehran must take action immediately.
"We have worked very closely to try and deal with the deep concerns we have about Iran's nuclear programme," British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said following talks in London with his German counterpart Joschka Fischer.
"Iran has yet to give us the confidence we need about its intentions," he said at a joint press conference with Fischer, who endorsed the sentiments.
"I want to underline that we are very much on the same track on Iran. We are very concerned about the developments and I think it's very important that there is not a miscalculation in Tehran," the German minister said.
Iran stands accused of secretly trying to develop nuclear weapons, a charge it denies.
In September, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) called on Iran to "immediately" widen its suspension of uranium enrichment to include all uranium enrichment-related activities, which it has so far refused to do so.
Iran faces a November 25 deadline, after which it risks being referred to the United Nations Security Council for further action.
Immediate action was needed, Straw stressed, saying: "We can't go on indefinitely."
"Iran can still give us confidence before the next meeting of the IAEA's board on the 25th of November by introducing an indefinite suspension of its enrichment and processing-related activities."
Earlier, another British minister urged Tehran to "act decisively" if it was to avoid being referred to the Security Council.
"Confidence cannot be restored unless Iran agrees to suspend its fuel cycle activity, including all centrifuge work and uranium conversion," International Security Minister Denis MacShane told a meeting in London.
"They are not necessary for a civil nuclear power generation programme but would give Iran the technologies which would help it towards a military nuclear capability."
"Iran faces a clear choice," MacShane said.
"It can choose to live up to its commitments, comply in full with the (IAEA) board's resolutions, including by putting in place a full and lasting suspension and reap the benefits of the international confidence this would create.
"Or it can spurn the chance to reassure the international community."
He added: "In that case the board will need to discuss additional measures, including very probably referral to the UN Security Council."