PARIS — The prime minister says France will seek a new United Nations resolution with tough new sanctions against Iran over its unwillingness to take up appeals for dialogue over its nuclear program.

Francois Fillon has accused Iran of leading a "headlong rush" in its nuclear program, but "it's not too late to use political means to prevent Iran from obtaining a military nuclear ability."

Fillon also used his speech Wednesday night to French Jewish group CRIF to call on the European Union to "take up its responsibilities" over Iran.

France has recently hardened its stance over perceived Iranian intransigence over its nuclear program. Tehran insists the program is aimed to generate energy; many in the West fear it masks bomb-making ambitions. (AP)