The Associated Press is quoting U.S. Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns as saying that envoys from the five permanent UN Security Council members, plus Germany, have discussed the possibility of imposing sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear program.

Burns said, however, that the six nations had failed to reach agreement on how to proceed in that matter.

The American envoy spoke to the AP following nearly three hours of talks in Moscow with diplomats from Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany.

He said the meeting recognized the "need for a stiff response to Iran's flagrant violations of its international responsibilities."

The Security Council has asked Iran to stop uranium enrichment by April 28 to allay international fears it is seeking nuclear weapons. Iran has refused to do so, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes only.

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Nicholas Burns. (AFP)