WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States and other major powers have begun preliminary consultations on a new set of U.N. sanctions related to Iran’s refusal to halt uranium enrichment, the State Department said on Tuesday.

KUWAIT CITY (AFP) – Kuwait has strongly protested to Iran over a physical assault on one of its diplomats in Tehran and demanded an apology, the state news agency KUNA reported on Wednesday.

London (Reuters) – Tougher sanctions or a blockade on Iran could help foment growing internal dissent to topple the government, former U.S. Republican senator Fred Thompson, a potential presidential candidate, said on Tuesday.