Only diplomacy can end Iran standoff: Vatican

Vatican City, June 3: The Vatican said today that diplomacy was the only way to resolve the conflict over Iran's nuclear programme.

''The Holy See is firmly convinced that even the present difficulties can and must be overcome through diplomatic contacts, using all the means diplomacy has at its disposal,'' a statement said.

New initiatives to convince Iran to give up its plans for uranium enrichment -- which the West suspects could be used to make atomic bombs -- were agreed by US, Russian, British, German, French and Chinese foreign ministers on Thursday.

Pope Benedict has called for ''an honourable solution'' to the standoff.

The Vatican statement called on all sides to show sensitivity, goodwill and mutual trust to resolve the dispute.

Analysts see the proposals from the world powers and a rare US offer to enter into direct talks with Iran as attempts to build a united diplomatic front for possible later action in the UN Security Council, which has the power to impose sanctions.

Reuters