Europe woos Russia and China over Iran sanctions

Key European countries yesterday put finishing touches on a proposal meant to enlist the support of Russia and China for possible UN Security Council sanctions against Iran should Tehran refuse to abandon uranium enrichment, diplomats said.

The compromise – which would drop the automatic threat of military action if Iran remains defiant – is part of a proposed basket of incentives meant to entice Iran to give up enrichment, a possible pathway to nuclear arms. It also spells out the penalties if it does not.