Lappeenranta (Finland), Sep 2 (DPA) European Union foreign ministers vowed to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme rather than rushing to impose UN sanctions on Tehran.

"We ... have no interest in an escalation with Iran in the UN Security Council," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said here Saturday.

An International Atomic Energy Agency deadline expired Aug 31 for Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment programme, which is widely seen as being aimed at producing nuclear weapons. Iran denies the charges.

Steinmeier, speaking at a meeting of the 25 European Union foreign ministers in Lappeenranta, put the onus on Iran to show it was serious about continuing talks.

"We will not slam the door but we need a signal from the other side," he said.

Echoing this view, Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot termed Tehran's response "disappointing". But he said cutting off contacts would be the "worst thing" the EU could do.

"Just because (Iran) behaves in an irresponsible manner does not mean that we have to be irresponsible," said Bot.

The ministers Friday backed plans by EU chief diplomat Javier Solana to hold talks early next week with senior Iranian officials.

Asked about a timetable, Bot said he was unsure how long a dialogue with Iran could go on.

The ministers are also seeking to deepen relations with Russia, and bring down barriers to trade and investment, said Finland, which holds the rotating EU presidency.