Bush warns Iran over nuclear talks delay

US President George Bush pressed Iran today to begin negotiations immediately on its nuclear programme and warned Tehran that delay would bring consequences.

Iran’s defiant pursuit of a nuclear programme was at the top of the agenda when Bush talked with French President Jacques Chirac on the sidelines of a three-day UN General Assembly meeting.

The French leader is balking at the US drive to sanction Iran for defying Security Council demands that it freeze uranium enrichment.

“Should they continue to stall,” Bush said of Iranian leaders, “we will then discuss the consequences of their stalling.”

Bush, speaking after his meeting with Chirac, said those consequences would include the possibility of sanctions.