No UN Agreement On Iran Nuke Sanctions

A U.S. diplomat said Tuesday that envoys from the five permanent Security Council members plus Germany discussed sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, but failed to agree on how to proceed.

Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns told CBS Evening News anchor Bob Schieffer that although the nearly three hours of talks failed to lead to agreement on sanctions, the diplomats did agree "that Iran should hear a stiff message from the international community" that it shouldn't have a nuclear program.

He said the possibility of sanctions was discussed during the meeting hosted by the Russian Foreign Ministry, but indicated that further talks would be needed.

"Iran's actions last week provoked deep concern, and all of us agreed (they) ... were fundamentally negative and a step backward," he told The Associated Press. "So now the task for us is to agree on a way forward."

Burns reiterated that the United States expected action in the Security Council after an April 28 deadline for Iran to stop uranium enrichment.

He gave no specifics as to the type or timing of sanctions and he refused to say whether Russia had softened its opposition to sanctions against Iran.

Burns told Schieffer that military action against Iran was a possibility. "I think President Bush and Secretary Rice know that we simply cannot tolerate the image of Iran or the reality of Iran with a nuclear weapon. Not (with) this radical government that's leading Iran today."

This echoed comments by President Bush earlier Tuesday. During a Rose Garden news conference, Mr. Bush said "all options are on the table" to prevent Iran from developing atomic weapons. But he also said he will continue to focus on the international diplomatic option to persuade Tehran to drop its nuclear ambitions.

"We want to solve this issue diplomatically, and we're working hard to do so," he said.

Mr. Bush also said there should be a unified effort involving countries "who recognize the danger of Iran having a nuclear weapon," and he noted that U.S. officials are working closely nations such as Great Britain, France and Germany on the issue.

The United States and Britain say that if Iran does not comply with the U.N. Security Council's April 28 deadline to stop uranium enrichment, they will seek a resolution that would make the demand compulsory. But Russia and China remain wary of sanctions.

"The Moscow meetings of the permanent members of the Security Council are intended to test the waters on how far the major powers are willing to go when Iran is hauled back before the U.N. in late April," said CBS News foreign affairs analyst Pamela Falk. "Iran's defiance is making stronger action – short of sanctions – more likely."

Mr. Bush said he intends to call on Chinese President Hu Jintao to step up pressure on Iran when the two leaders meet Thursday at the White House.

Iran has so far refused to give up uranium enrichment, which the United States and some of its allies suspect is meant to produce weapons. Tehran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Mr. Bush was asked if his administration was planning for the possibility of a nuclear strike against Iranian nuclear facilities.

"All options are on the table," he said.

On another topic, Mr. Bush said "I strongly deplore" Monday's attack in Tel Aviv, the deadliest suicide bombing in 20 months. Israel's leaders held the Hamas-led Palestinian Authority responsible for the attack, but stopped short of ordering a large-scale military operation.

Mr. Bush urged restraint, but angrily called on Palestinians to reject violence.

"It is unjust and it is unnecessary," he said. "I have consistently reminded all parties that they must be mindful of whatever actions they take and mindful of the consequences. ... For those who love peace in the Palestinian territories, they must stand up and reject this kind of violence."

The blast, which killed nine people and wounded dozens outside a packed Tel Aviv fast-food restaurant, was carried out by a bomber from the Islamic Jihad militant group. Hamas leaders defended the attack as a justified response to Israeli "aggression" against the Palestinians.