TEHRAN, Sept. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Iran threatened to quit the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and resume enrichment if itis referred to the UN Security Council, its top nuclear negotiator said Tuesday.

    "If the nuclear issue is reported to the UN Security Council,Iran will be left with no choice. We have to get out of the framework of the NPT and the additional protocol... and resume enrichment," Ali Larijani told a news conference.

    Larijani also threatened to prohibit surprise inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities if Tehran's nuclear case is referred to the Security Council for possible sanctions.

    Tehran's threat came as the European Union trio of France,Britain and Germany, whose nuclear talks with the Islamic republic have grounded to a halt over Iran's resumption of suspended enrichment activities in August, are calling to refer its nuclear case to the Security Council.

    Iran insists it will never give up legal rights of the peaceful use of nuclear technology, which Washington slams as a disguise for its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Enditem