Sanctions, Nuclear Disarmament | featured news

Big power envoys were to meet on Wednesday to pursue the quest for fresh U.N. sanctions to try to halt Iran's nuclear program, but diplomats forecast weeks of haggling over a text the Security Council can pass.

Russia will not support "crippling" sanctions against Iran, including any that may be slapped on the Islamic Republic's banking or energy sectors, a senior Russian diplomat said Wednesday.

Vice President Joe Biden said on Sunday the United States expects to gain China's support for imposing sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

Iran risks increased international sanctions for failing to engage in talks on its nuclear ambitions.

Both President Obama and Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev want Iran to relinquish potential nuclear explosive material in return for fuel. A White House official says the two leaders discussed possible sanctions if Iran refuses to comply.

U.S. President Barack Obama said he and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed on Wednesday that serious additional sanctions must be considered if Iran does not respond to proposals to end a nuclear standoff.