WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- A top U.S. official said Thursday the United States would push for a U.N. debate on sanctions against Iran if it refuses to stop enriching uranium.
"I think we would want to move very quickly in the first part of September toward a debate in the Security Council about sanctions. They will be well deserved as this has gone on a long time," said Nicholas Burns, undersecretary of state.
Burns told reporters Thursday he expected the United Nations would impose sanctions on Tehran if it does not give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Iran is expected to announce its intentions on Aug. 22.
Burns said the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon has only strengthened world resolve, because Iran is believed to have been helping the organization with weapons and advice. Syria has also been blamed for providing weapons.
"I think our hand is strengthened," he said. "I think there is greater concern about the role of Iran in the Middle East than before ... I really think Iran is quite isolated."
Also Thursday, 22 former military and diplomatic officials called on the Bush administration to engage in direct negotiations with Iran "without preconditions," and cautioned strongly against using military force.
"An attack on Iran would have disastrous consequences for security in the region and U.S. forces in Iraq, and it would inflame hatred and violence in the Middle East and among Muslims everywhere," the former officials said.
The signers include retired Gen. Joseph Hoar, the former head of U.S. Central Command and a frequent critic of U.S. policy in the Middle East under Bush.
