West 'pushing for new UN sanctions against Iran'

The measures include expanding travel bans and asset freezes on people connected with the nuclear industry.

This comes despite the apparent acceptance by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of a deal.

This would allow Iran to send most of its low-enriched uranium abroad in return for research reactor fuel rods.

Washington has called on Iran to match its words with actions.

Last month, diplomats said Iran had informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that it did not accept the terms of the deal and had instead demanded a simultaneous exchange on its territory.

The US and its allies fear Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Iran insists its nuclear programme is entirely peaceful.

On Wednesday, the Western diplomat confirmed reports by the Reuters news agency that the US paper talks about expanding travel bans and asset freezes on those connected to Iran's nuclear industry, as well as financial measures such as placing restrictions on its central bank.

In particular, it suggests targeting senior members of the Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which oversees Iran's nuclear programme and its strategic weapons.