Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters Iran had “not crossed any red line” in what the clerical regime asserts is merely a bid to generate atomic energy. “There is no legal basis to send our case to the Security Council, but even if it goes there the Islamic republic is not scared. Our red line is to guarantee our interests,” he said. Negotiations, he insisted, “are the only way to find an acceptable solution for all sides.” The three main EU powers—Britain, France and Germany—have for more than two years been trying to convince Iran to voluntarily limit its nuclear activities in exchange for trade and other incentives. Asefi said diplomacy was the only way to resolve the impasse over its nuclear program. "Diplomacy is the only clear answer to the current situation," he said. "There is no legal basis for referring Iran to the Security Council. But if that were to happen Iran is not afraid," he added. Asefi declined to clarify whether Iran planned to carry out small-scale uranium enrichment -- the most sensitive part of the atomic fuel cycle -- as part of its research work. "Iran's decision to resume nuclear research activities is irreversible," he said.