Speaking at a press conference after a cabinet meeting, Mahmudi said: "The Libyan crisis cannot be solved through military means, but through dialogue and consultative means," according to the state-run news agency.

"NATO should immediately stop the bombardment over the Libyan people, thus creating conditions for dialogue and consultation," he said.

"We are not on the weak side, though we proposed dialogue... that is because peaceful means is our choice. We hope the international community cooperate for a satisfactory solution," Mahmudi stressed.

He also said that "Various contacts are underway which is aimed at launching dialogue for a peaceful solution."