News

China's ambassador to the United Nations says he will not support new
sanctions against Iran because diplomatic negotiations on the issue
need more "time and patience."

Zhang Yesui told reporters in New York Tuesday that a peaceful
settlement of the issue is the best option.  China holds the rotating
presidency of the U.N. Security Council this month.

China has long called for more dialogue to address the Iranian nuclear dispute.

U.S. State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley said it was no secret that
the United States and China look at sanctions differently.  He said the
U.S. will continue to work on both applying pressure and engaging Iran.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington has
begun talks with allies about imposing new sanctions on Iran for its
nuclear program.

Clinton said the U.S. also wants to keep the door open for dialogue
with Iran, but that the government cannot continue to wait while
Iranian officials talk about increasing production of highly enriched
uranium.

In response to Clinton's comments, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said setting any deadline would be meaningless.

The United States and its Western allies accuse Iran of working to
produce a nuclear weapon.  Iran says its atomic program is for peaceful
purposes.