WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States will keep its option to go to the United Nations to try to stop an Iranian nuclear weapons program while supporting the EU negotiations with Iran, said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice here on Thursday.

    "If this (negotiation) does not work then, of course, the Security Council remains an option," Rice said at a news conference. Taking the issue to the UN Security Council could meanimposing economic sanctions on Iran.

    Rice reiterated US policy on Iranian nuclear issue, saying that "We believe that the diplomatic path that we are on is the appropriate, and we are determined to have a united front with the international community to convince the Iranians ... not to seek nuclear weapons under the cover of civilian nuclear power development."

    Iran denies US allegations, saying its nuclear program is for peaceful power generation.

    The European Union (EU) troika -- France, Britain and Germany, are trying to secure an Iranian commitment to scrap enrichment plans in exchange for economic aid, technical support and backing for Tehran's efforts to join mainstream international organizations.

    Iran has suspended all uranium enrichment-related activities since late last year as a sign of good faith in its negotiations with the EU. Enditem