Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Thursday European countries were unlikely to help Iran against U.S. sanctions, and Tehran "should give up all hope" in that regard, according to his official website. 

Britain, France and Germany, parties to a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, have tried to set up a trade mechanism to barter humanitarian and food goods with Iran after the United States withdrew from the deal last year and re-imposed sanctions. But the mechanism is still not operational. 

Iran has repeatedly said it will ramp up its nuclear activities unless the European countries do more to protect its economy from the impact of the U.S. sanctions. 

"Despite their promises, the Europeans have practically adhered to America's sanctions and have not taken any action and are unlikely to do anything for the Islamic Republic in the future. So one should give up all hope on Europeans," Khamenei was quoted as saying. 

"There should be no trust in countries that have held the banner of hostility to (Iran's) Islamic system, led by the United States and some European countries, because they are openly hostile to the Iranian people," Khamenei said. 

"The road to interaction and negotiations is open to all countries other than America and the Zionist regime (Israel)," Khamenei told members of a powerful clerical body. 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday told the UN General Assembly that Iran would not talk to the United States under pressure, and demanded that Washington "pay more" for any agreement that goes beyond the 2015 nuclear deal.

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China calls for political, diplomatic settlement

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on all relevant parties to increase their urgency and make an all-out effort to push for a political and diplomatic settlement on the Iranian nuclear issue. 

Wang said extreme pressure from the United States on Iran has led to Iran's nuclear crisis, and leaving the situation unchecked will trigger even bigger crises. 

In order to solve the crisis, Wang said relevant parties should uphold fundamental principles of multilateralism. 

China supports the efforts made by countries in the Gulf region in ceasing hostilities and engaging in dialogue, promoting regional peace is the basic direction, he said.

He called on countries outside the region to inject "positive energy" into restoring peace and tranquility in the region, rather than inciting confrontation.

Relevant parties should build up confidence, stay united and uphold multilateralism in order to find a solution, he said.