Hillary Clinton
Hillary ClintonReuters

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned Iran on Wednesday that time was not “infinite” for diplomacy on its nuclear program and that “all options remain on the table” after a dispute over the venue of talks.

AFP reported that Clinton said that the European Union would look into setting a time and place for long-moribund talks on Iran's nuclear program but vowed that the United States would maintain “strong pressure” to address concerns.

“We want to see a peaceful resolution of the international community's concerns, but the time for diplomacy is not infinite and all options remain on the table to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon,” Clinton was quoted as having said.

She added, “Until Iran comes into compliance with its international obligations and demonstrates the peaceful intent of its nuclear program, they will continue to face strong pressure and isolation. So the sooner that we can begin talks, the better it will be.”

AFP noted that Clinton had earlier said that the talks between Iran and six world powers -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- would begin on April 13 in Istanbul.

However, Iran said Tuesday that it objected to holding the talks in Turkey, which cut imports of oil from Turkey in response to U.S. threats of sanctions.

Iraq's foreign ministry has said that Iran has formally requested that Baghdad hold the April 13-14 negotiations.