THE UNITED NATIONS — World leaders agreed Thursday on the sweeping goal of a planet free of atomic weapons, but faced continued divisions over details of one of their thorniest challenges, Iran's nuclear program.
The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution proposed by President Obama setting a series of goals to eliminate nuclear weapons, ban production of the fissile material used to make them, outlaw atomic tests and safeguard stockpiles in the meantime.
The resolution also advocates action against nations that put civilian nuclear technology to military use in violation of the international Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
It did not name specific countries, but the resolution expressed concern over steps by some nations to develop nuclear programs and weapons.
During the council meeting, leaders singled out Iran and North Korea, with several speakers urging action to restrain the two countries. North Korea already has tested weapons, whereas Iran is accused by U.S. officials and their allies of seeking to develop them.
"Talk of a nuclear-free future is nice, but we are facing two immediate nuclear crises," said French President Nicolas Sarkozy, naming Iran and North Korea. "Iran is violating the Security Council's resolutions right before our eyes."
He was joined by Obama and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who urged "far tougher" sanctions against Iran.
The comments came as pressure on the issue intensified. The council's five permanent members -- the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China -- along with Germany are to meet with Iran next week in Geneva in an effort to start talks over Tehran's nuclear program, which Iran says is intended for peaceful, civilian purposes.
The Obama administration claimed progress this week in its push to put pressure on Iran: After a meeting with Obama, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signaled for the first time that Moscow might agree to stiffer economic sanctions against Tehran. As one of Iran's major trading partners, Russia could exert considerable influence over the Islamic Republic.
However, China opposes sanctions, urging a less threatening solution to the standoff.
"We believe that sanctions and exerting pressure are not the way to solve problems and are not conducive for the current diplomatic efforts on the Iran nuclear issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a news briefing in Beijing, Reuters news service reported.
