UNITED NATIONS, Feb 21: The UN Security Council looks set to thrash out another hard-to-negotiate resolution on Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, one likely to punish Tehran for intransigence.

UN diplomats have appealed for patience saying they need to read an upcoming report from the International Atomic Energy Agency before considering the next course of action. But some privately acknowledge that a new resolution tightening sanctions imposed in December appears inevitable.

A US diplomat told reporters there was no draft text pre-negotiated between the United States and its European allies ready to be circulated among council members as soon as the IAEA report is out. Asked if that might be the case, the diplomat, speaking privately, issued a categorical “No” statement.

“I don't think a decision’s been made as to what the next step is. Clearly, options are before us, so we’ll be discussing them,” he added.

The Security Council was due to hold on Friday a public debate on the general issue of non-proliferation in which Iran could be brought up but the meeting is not specifically on the Iranian case. The United States and many western countries believe Tehran is using its nuclear energy programme to secretly develop nuclear weapons. Tehran denies this, saying it is only pursuing nuclear energy.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed on Wednesday his country would continue its contentious nuclear drive at rapid speed, defying the latest UN deadline for Tehran to suspend sensitive atomic activities.—AFP