WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States said on Wednesday that it was now "more likely than ever" that Iran would be referred to the United Nations Security Council over its nuclear program.

    "It is more likely than ever that this will happen," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said at a briefing.

    Nonetheless, McCormack said that the United States still hoped that Iran's nuclear issue would be resolved through diplomatic means.

    "We still seek to change Iranian behavior through diplomatic channels," McCormack said.

    McCormack made the comments one day after Iran said it would resume research and development on producing uranium fuel.

    The United States has accused Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran has said its nuclear programs are for civil purposes only. Enditem