The growing crisis over Iran's nuclear programme is expected to be discussed at the UN Security Council next week, a move which could result in the imposition of sanctions on Tehran.
The decision was made by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which said Iran had been uncooperative about the nature of its programme.
The EU and the United States suspect Iran of wanting to develop nuclear weapons.
The US ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, said there was a sense of urgency about Iran's defiance of the world community.
The Iranian ambassador to the IAEA, Ali Asghar Soltanieh, said his government did not want a confrontation but, if the Americans wished it, Tehran would defend its national interests.
He said Tehran had done everything it could for a peaceful settlement.
