Draft resolution raises veiled threat of sanctions on Iran

Over Chinese and Russian opposition, western nations have circulated a UN Security Council resolution that would demand Iran abandon uranium enrichment or face the threat of unspecified further measures, a possible reference to sanctions.

Britain and France, backed by the United States, hope to wrap up negotiations on the legally binding resolution before a meeting of foreign ministers in New York next Monday. However, diplomats acknowledged that resistance from China and Russia may prolong talks well beyond that.