The UN Security Council is poised to adopt a resolution demanding Iran suspend its nuclear activities by the end of August or face the threat of sanctions.
Barring last-minute delays, the council has scheduled a vote on the document that demands Iran "suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities, including research and development."
If Tehran does not comply by August 31st, the council would consider adopting "appropriate measures" under Article 41 of Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which pertains to economic sanctions, says the draft.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (R) speaks with Iranian Defence Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najar
The resolution is the first on Iran with legally binding demands and a threat to consider sanctions. The United States and its allies suspect Iran is developing a nuclear bomb and accuse it of hiding research over 18 years.
On the eve of the anticipated vote, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told a news conference the resolution was unacceptable and his country had the right "to take advantage of peaceful nuclear technology."
A Foreign Ministry spokesman warned yesterday the resolution would create what he called a deeper crisis in the Middle East, but he did not elaborate.
Germany and the council's five permanent members with veto power - the United States, Russia, China, France and Britain - reached broad agreement on Friday, and no major changes were made over the weekend.
Russia and China are reluctant to impose sanctions.
