European governments are deeply divided over imposition of new sanctions against Iran, in what could undermine a new US effort to mobilize allies to act outside of the United Nations, according to European officials.

  U.S. President George W. Bush warned on Wednesday that if Iran develops nuclear weapons, the result could be a new world war.  

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice flew back to Israel on Tuesday to resume intense preparations for a looming Middle East summit after securing cautious Egyptian support for the conference.