Europeans circulate revised Iran draft

The new draft still would ban the supply of materials and technology that could contribute to Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, but it spells out in much greater detail exactly what items are prohibited. Russia and China both veto-wielding members of the UN Security Council had complained that the proposed sanctions in the original draft were too broad.

But the new draft keeps a travel ban and asset freeze on companies, individuals and organisations involved in Iran's nuclear and missile programmes, which Russia opposes.

Britain, France and Germany who have led negotiations trying to rein in Iran's nuclear programme have been at odds with Russia and China for weeks over the scope of the sanctions. The United States has generally supported the Europeans, though it initially wanted a tougher text.

Russia proposed major changes to the original European text including limiting sanctions solely to measures that would keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons and missiles. Russia's proposed changes also eliminated any travel ban, asset freeze or mention of the nuclear facility being built by the Russians at Bushehr, Iran.

The new European draft drops all mention of Bushehr, which is projected to go on line in late 2007 and would be Iran's first atomic power plant.