Turkey on Wednesday said, diplomacy should be given more chance, rejecting calls from the United States to support more sanctions against Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme.

"There is still an opportunity ahead of us and we believe that this opportunity should be used effectively. Not less, but more diplomacy (is needed)," Turkey's Foreign Ministry spokesman Burak Ozugergin told a news conference.

Last week, Assistant Secretary of State Philip Gordon, the U.S. State Department's top diplomat for Europe, urged Turkey to support more sanctions against Iran, threatening Ankara could "face consequences" if it moves out of step with the international community.

Turkey, which has applied to join the European Union, is not the only country that demands more diplomacy over Iran, which says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

China, a permanent, veto-wielding member of the Security Council, along with non-permanent member Brazil, have urged more time for diplomacy with Iran.

Ozugergin said, that Turkey thought Iran was approaching the issue with good will, and was working on the issue.

"The UN Security Council member states are discussing some new sanctions, however it is hard to say that the Council has a uniform view on the issue," Ozugergin said.

Ozugergin said Turkey's position on sanctions was obvious, and it was not only Turkey who thought "sanctions would not serve the desired goal".

The spokesman said there was need for diplomatic efforts, and defined diplomacy as a "game of patience".

"We think that Iran has good intentions on this issue and wants a solution. Otherwise, we would not be making such efforts. We inform our Western friends regularly about the impressions we get (from talks with Iran)," Ozugergin said.

He reiterated Ankara's opposition to any Middle Eastern country acquiring nuclear weapons and said Iran had the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes like all other countries.

Ozugergin also said every one should wait for the result of tactics and strategic moves in such an important issue.

Agencies