Six world powers have agreed on a draft resolution on Iran's nuclear program but it included no new sanctions, in line with Russia's preference.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the six powers would submit the draft text to the 15-nation UN Security Council for discussions later today.
It was unclear when the council would vote on the text but one European official said that could happen during the weekend.
The US, Britain, France and Germany wanted to ratchet up sanctions on Iran, which has refused to halt its nuclear enrichment work. China and especially Russia oppose further sanctions.
Mr Miliband said: 'We will be presenting a short resolution for consultations today that reaffirms existing resolutions that are on the U.N. books, ... (and) reaffirms the unity of the (six powers).'
Mr Miliband made clear the resolution did not include new sanctions against Iran for refusing to suspend its nuclear program as demanded in four previous council resolutions.
The six powers and the council, Mr Miliband said, were determined to press ahead with 'further discussions and further steps' on Iran's nuclear program, which Western countries fear is aimed at developing atomic weapons.
