Security Council nears deal on Iran resolution

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council neared a deal Friday on a resolution that would give Iran until the end of August to suspend its uranium enrichment or face the threat of economic and diplomatic sanctions. Diplomats said the resolution would probably be introduced to the full 15-member council later Friday, with the likelihood that it would be adopted early next week. Because of Russian and Chinese demands, the text is weaker than earlier drafts, which would have made the threat of sanctions immediate. The draft now before the council essentially requires the council to conduct further discussions before it considers sanctions.