Plans for a fourth set of UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme are being circulated among all 15 members of the Security Council.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the five veto-wielding members had agreed on a “strong” draft resolution.
The measures foresee cargo ship inspections and new banking controls.
They come despite a recent deal in which Iran agreed to send low-enriched uranium to Turkey in return for enriched fuel for a research reactor.
But Mrs Clinton suggested Iran had been trying to deflect pressure.
