AFP: Defence Secretary Robert Gates is hoping for a new UN resolution on sanctions against Iran in "a matter of weeks", as world powers raise the heat on Tehran over its nuclear programme, a US defence spokesman said on Tuesday.

Reuters: Western concerns about Iran's nuclear intentions are well-founded, Russia's national security chief said on Tuesday, and suggested that more than diplomacy might be needed to end Tehran's defiance.

Reuters: Iran began work on Tuesday to make higher-grade nuclear fuel, a senior official said, and the Pentagon said the United States wanted a U.N. Security Council resolution on Iran "within weeks" over its nuclear programme.

Washington Post: Iran's formal notification Monday to a United Nations nuclear watchdog that it will begin producing higher-grade enriched uranium marks a new and potentially dangerous turn in Tehran's confrontation with the West over its nuclear ambitions.

AFP: French President Nicolas Sarkozy and US Defence Secretary Robert Gates agreed in talks Monday that "strong" new sanctions must be passed against Iran over its nuclear drive, the French presidency said.

Reuters: International pressure for new sanctions against Iran grew on Monday after Tehran announced more moves to expand nuclear fuel production and enrichment plants, heightening Western fears it wants to make atom bombs.

AFP: Britain voiced deep concern Monday over Iran's "contradictory rhetoric" after Tehran confirmed plans to produce higher enriched uranium, days after seeming to accept a UN-drafted nuclear deal.

Reuters: Iran has rejected Western overtures and the international community has no choice but to move toward imposing new sanctions over its nuclear program, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said on Monday.

Bloomberg: Australia and the international community remain deeply concerned about the nature and intent of Iran’s nuclear program, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said in an e-mailed statement today.

Reuters: Russia on Monday called on Iran to fulfil an agreement to send its uranium abroad for enrichment, Interfax news agency quoted a foreign ministry spokesman as saying.