U.S. Predicts European Push For Sanctions On Iran

U.S. Undersecretary of State Burns (file photo) (epa) May 2, 2006 -- A top U.S. official today said he expects European nations negotiating with Iran over its nuclear program to propose a resolution allowing for sanctions if Tehran does not halt uranium enrichment.

U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns was speaking ahead of a meeting in Paris later today with representatives from Russia and China, as well as Britain, France and Germany.

Burns said he expects Britain, France and Germany to agree to propose to the UN Security Council a resolution that would make compliance with UN demands mandatory and also allow for sanctions, and possibly even the use of force.

Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Mottaki was quoted today as saying Russia and China have officially informed Tehran they would not support sanctions or military action.

(compiled from agency reports)