President Obama has said the US and its allies are moving ‘fairly quickly’ to develop a broader set of sanctions to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Speaking in Washington, the US leader said Tehran had appeared to have spurned his offer of engagement and was intent on going down a path that could eventually lead to an atomic bomb.

‘‘We are confident right now that the international community is unified around Iran’s misbehaviour in this area. How China operates at the Security Council as we pursue sanctions is something that we’re going to have to see. One thing I’m pleased about is to see how forward-leaning the Russians have been on this issue,’‘ President Obama said.

Obama has given no specific timeline when more punitive measures could be in place, but news that Moscow is edging closer to Washington’s position following Iran’s announcement that it plans to enrich Uranium to 20 percent, will be welcomed by the White House.

Nevertheless, China is so far urging for further diplomacy with Tehran denying its programme is geared towards acquiring a nuclear weapon.

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