The United States and France agreed on Monday to push for sanctions against Iran over its suspect nuclear programme even as Paris admitted that opposition from China could block quick action.

After talks with US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, French Defence Minister Herve Morin said world powers had to move toward sanctions to punish Tehran for refusing to halt nuclear enrichment. "It will unfortunately be necessary to launch a dialogue with the international community that will lead to new sanctions if Iran does not stop its programmes," said Morin.