Iran failed to meet a deadline set by international powers on a diplomatic deal to contain its nuclear program.
The United States and five other world powers on July 19 offered Iran economic incentives, including the possibility of peaceful nuclear technologies, if it abandoned uranium enrichment — a process that can produce bombs. The Iranians were given two weeks to respond.
The deadline on that ulitmatum passed over the weekend. Tehran hinted it could deliver a response Tuesday but gave no details on the content.
The United States said Monday that the world powers would begin putting together a fifth round of United Nations Security Council sanctions against Iran.
Israel has accused Iran of trying to stall foreign efforts to curb its nuclear program until the U.S. presidential elections in November, after which the Bush administration might be less eager to take action.
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz said in Washington last week that the new round of U.N. Security Council sanctions must be imposed this year to be effective.
Meanwhile, Iran claims to have developed a new, long-range naval weapon. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, was quoted as saying Monday that his country has developed and successfully tested a unique marine weapon capable of hitting targets some 190 miles away.
There were no further details on the type of weapon or on what targets it might be used.
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