WASHINGTON, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States and Japan said on Monday that the United Nations Security Council needs to take action on Iran's nuclear issue and both countries were committed to work closely to convince Iran to stop uranium enrichment work.

    After talks between their foreign ministers and defense chiefs in Washington, a joint statement said both countries were "committed to work closely on efforts to convince Iran to suspend all enrichment-related activities and cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency's investigation, and agreed on the need for concerted United Nations Security Council action."

    U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso and defense chief Fukushiro Nukaga took part in the talks called the United States - Japan Consultative Meeting.

    The United States has been pressing for sanctions against Iran for its defiance on uranium enrichment work. However, Russia has been reluctant to do so.

    Iran has been defiant in the face of sanctions or possible U.S.military strikes, claiming that it will retaliate if the United States launches military actions against it. Enditem