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The UN Security Council will have to increase sanctions on Iran for ignoring demands that it freeze sensitive nuclear activities, a spokesman for the US mission to the United Nations said today.

US spokesman Richard Grenell was speaking a day after an informal deadline lapsed for Iran to respond to an offer from the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia for talks on its disputed nuclear programme.

"It is clear that the government of Iran has not complied with the international community's demand to stop enriching uranium and isn't even interested in trying," said Mr Grenell.

"They leave the Security Council no choice but to increase the sanctions, as called for in the last resolution passed," he added.