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Obama steps up pressure on Iran Obama steps up pressure on Iran
(11 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama has said the US and its allies are developing a "significant regime of sanctions" against Iran for its nuclear programme.US President Barack Obama has said the US and its allies are developing a "significant regime of sanctions" against Iran for its nuclear programme.
He said the international community was unified over Iran's "misbehaviour".He said the international community was unified over Iran's "misbehaviour".
Speaking in Washington, he said despite Tehran's denials, it was clear Iran was working to build nuclear weapons.Speaking in Washington, he said despite Tehran's denials, it was clear Iran was working to build nuclear weapons.
His remarks came after Iranian state media reported Iran had started the process of enriching uranium to 20% for use in a research reactor.His remarks came after Iranian state media reported Iran had started the process of enriching uranium to 20% for use in a research reactor.
Mr Obama said he was pleased at Russia's response to Iran's move, but said it was unclear how China would respond to a new push at the UN Security Council for another round of sanctions against Iran. Russian disapproval
Earlier, Russia signalled its disapproval of Iran's latest announcement. In an unexpected appearance in the White House briefing room, Mr Obama said the US was confident the international community was "unified around Iran's misbehaviour in this area".
China, a UN Security Council member, has called for further talks over Iran's nuclear programme. He said the new push for sanctions on Iran was "moving along fairly quickly" and should be completed in the next few weeks.
Mr Obama also said he was pleased at Russia's quick disapproval of Iran's latest move.
But he said it was unclear how China would respond to a new push at the UN Security Council for another round of sanctions against Iran.
China, a UN Security Council member, has called for further talks over the issue.
Both countries have been reluctant in the past to support international sanctions against Iran.
"How China operates at the Security Council as we pursue sanctions is something we're going to have to see," Mr Obama said.
The five permanent members of the Security Council - the US, Russia, China, France and Britain - have a veto over resolutions, including sanctions.
Iran currently enriches uranium to a level of 3.5% but requires 20% enriched uranium for its research reactor, which is meant to produce medical isotopes. A bomb would require uranium enriched to at least 90%.Iran currently enriches uranium to a level of 3.5% but requires 20% enriched uranium for its research reactor, which is meant to produce medical isotopes. A bomb would require uranium enriched to at least 90%.
The US and its Western allies say Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon - a charge Iran denies.The US and its Western allies say Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon - a charge Iran denies.