U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United States does not intend to force a "regime change" in Iran, but expressed concern about Tehran's nuclear program and ties to terrorism.

In an interview with CNBC television taped on Saturday, Mr. Powell renewed U.S. accusations that Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon and continues to support terrorist groups.

He said the United States is not getting ready to invade Iran, and that it is up to the Iranian people to decide how they are led.

But he said Washington would continue an "aggressive foreign policy" of political and diplomatic pressure on Iran's government.

Mr. Powell's comments come as Iranian and European Union officials try to finalize a deal in which Tehran would suspend uranium enrichment activities to avoid possible U.N. Security Council sanctions.

Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.