U.S. President Barack Obama says there are still ways to resolve Iran’s nuclear problem through diplomatic efforts and avoid the use of force.

Obama criticized Republican presidential hopefuls for urging the use of force, saying they are downplaying the potential for war and its repercussions. He said Iran will face tougher sanctions, and it is necessary to watch the situation for the time being.

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council and Germany accepted Iran’s proposal to hold a meeting on its nuclear program. Both have called on Iran to halt its uranium enrichment activities.

In a letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran also agreed to an inspection by IAEA officials on its military facility, which has been suspected as a nuclear testing site.