Britain to back more Iran sanctions

London: British Foreign Secretary David Miliband warned Tehran on Monday it did not "have the right to set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East" and added that it will impose tighter sanctions, if necessary.

Miliband told the Financial Times, however, that the international community wants a "non-military diplomatic solution" to the problem. Iran has been hit with two UN sanctions for failing to suspend uranium enrichment.

"We are ready to work with our partners on a third resolution," Miliband said. "We think it's very, very important that the international community remains clear and united on this issue."

Miliband said Britain remained prepared to press ahead with a third United Nations resolution to impose tighter sanctions on Iran, if it was necessary.

He said that Iran "has every right to be a secure, rich country" but "doesn't have the right to set off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East". He said the West had made a "very clear offer" to Tehran, which would allow it to develop the civil nuclear power it says it needs.