There has been progress in the drawing up of new sanctions on Iran aimed at stopping its nuclear programme, a top US official has said. The agreement could even lead to a new draft resolution as early as next week, the source added.

A new UN resolution is needed as Iran failed to meet last month’s deadline to stop enriching uranium. Instead the programme has been expanded according to the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

Tehran insists its nuclear programme is purely for its energy needs, but Western powers believe the ultimate aim is to develop nuclear weapons.

New sanctions could include travel bans on Iranian officials linked to the nuclear programme, and a longer list of sensitive material banned from entering Iran.

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