France seeks tougher UN action against Iran, Russia Opposes

Meanwhile, French President Nicolas Sarkozy declared that Iranian officials would engage in meaningful discussion about the Iran's nuclear energy program, should the UN adopt strong measures against Tehran.

In an address to diplomats based in France, Sarkozy also called on the European Union to "assume its responsibilities" in putting Tehran under pressure to persuade the country to enter negotiations.

"To hesitate or to prevaricate in the face of such an issue would carry with it a great weight of responsibility," Sarkozy said.

"The only aim of sanctions is to lead Iran to the negotiating table," he added.

Under a UN-brokered proposal discussed in mid-October, the US, France and Russia asked Iran to send most of its domestically-produced low enriched uranium abroad to be converted into more refined fuel for the Tehran research reactor that produces medical isotopes.

Tehran has not accepted the proposal, asking the other side for guarantees that the fuel would be delivered to Iran. The West, however, has refused to allay Iran's concerns.

The meeting of six world powers in New York on Saturday to discuss a new round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program did not go as the White House had hoped.

"France wants the (UN Security) Council to adopt strong measures and for the European Union as well to assume its responsibilities," Sarkozy asserted.
Despite numerous reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency to the contrary, the West accuses Iran of pursuing a military nuclear program. Tehran denies the charges, saying its nuclear program is peaceful and aimed at generating electricity to meet the country's growing demand for energy.

Russia, which presents itself as the only major power with real clout in Tehran, is a crucial player in any move toward sanctions as it is a veto-wielding permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.