Among possible alternatives, Bolton mentioned suspending remaining trade ties with Iran, including the import of Persian rugs and pistachio nuts.
He said other governments could be persuaded to reduce their economic links with Iran.
Bolton cited reluctance on the part of Security Council members Russia and China to act against Iran as a reason to consider other possibilities for resolving the dispute over Tehran's nuclear program.
The Security Council has formally requested that Iran suspend all enrichment of uranium, but the move came only after three weeks of difficult negotiations.
(compiled from agency reports)