The UN nuclear watchdog has passed a resolution that paves the way for Iran to be referred to the UN Security Council over its nuclear ambitions.

The IAEA did not however set a date for reporting Iran to the council, which could ultimately decide to impose sanctions on the country.

Agency chief Mohammed ElBaradei has said there is still room for diplomacy.

Iran criticised the IAEA for acting without consensus after 12 members abstained from voting on the EU motion.

Iranian security official Javad Vaeidi said the opposition to the resolution meant it had not given a mandate for action against Tehran.

He warned of retaliation, saying "threat invokes threat".

'Failures and breaches'

Mr ElBaradei said the question of referring Iran to the UN Security Council should not come up before November, when the 35-member IAEA board meets again.

He urged all the parties involved to "exploit this window of opportunity" for negotiation and diplomacy.

The US accuses Iran of seeking nuclear arms, a charge it denies. Tehran says it wants the technology purely for peaceful production of energy.