World powers have agreed to discuss possible U.N. sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program but said they are still open to negotiations.
Following talks in London Friday, top diplomats from the U.S., Britain, France, China and Russia, the five permanent U.N. Security Council members, plus Germany said they were "deeply disappointed" by Tehran's refusal to stop enriching uranium.
British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett said diplomats will now begin consulting on a U.N. measure that authorizes the Security Council to impose non-military sanctions on Iran.
U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns says the only question now is what form the sanctions will take.
The U.S. and Britain have been pressing for sanctions against Iran's nuclear program.
A U.N. resolution passed in July called for Tehran to stop enriching uranium by August 31st or face possible sanctions. Iran has ignored the demand.
Western nations accuse Iran of seeking a nuclear weapon. Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.
Some information for this report provided by Reuters, AP and AFP.