NATO chief Jaap de Hoop Scheffer has urged Europe and the United States to work together to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.
In comments to reporters in Brussels today (Friday), Mr. de Hoop Scheffer said Europe and the United States need a united strategy that would use the "carrot and stick" approach in dealing with Iran.
The European trio of Britain, France and Germany won Iran's agreement late last year to suspend uranium enrichment, and they are carrying on talks for a permanent end to nuclear activities that have military potential.
The United States has taken a tougher approach, warning Iran could be brought before the U.N. Security Council for sanctions. President Bush has said he would not rule out other options if diplomacy fails.
Pakistan's envoy to Washington says the United States should use diplomacy to work out differences with Iran, arguing military action could destabilize the entire region.
Ambassador Jehangir Karamat said military operations would have wide-ranging negative effects, especially after U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Speaking to journalists in Washington, the ambassador said he personally believes that the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran is "far-fetched".
Pakistan is a U.S. ally in the ongoing war on terrorism and has good relations with Iran.
The Pentagon this week denied a news report that it is conducting secret reconnaissance missions inside Iran to help identify potential nuclear targets.
But President Bush has said he would not rule out military action against Iran.