Last-minute consultations have begun at the United Nations in New York in an effort to get Security Council unanimity ahead of a crucial vote on a US resolution on Iraq.
The vote takes place later tonight with the US virtually assured of the minimum nine votes needed for adoption of its proposals by the 15-member body.
But France, Germany and Russia, who submitted amendments calling for a timetable to end the occupation, have signaled they might abstain, along with China, Syria and others, thereby lessening the impact of the measure.
In Washington, a senior State Department official said changes were being considered but they were not fundamental.
Secretary of State Colin Powell was speaking to foreign ministers with seats on the Security Council.
"We do understand there are others who would like a few more changes. We'll obviously listen to that and we'll see how to work this to get the maximum possible support," State Department spokesman Mr Richard Boucher said.
With US President George W Bush under pressure from the growing cost of the Iraq occupation in US lives and money, the resolution could pave the way for other nations to contribute troops and money.