US warns Iran of consequences of nuclear ambitions

WASHINGTON, Mar 5 (Reuters) Iran faces ''tangible and painful consequences'' if it continues its nuclear activities and the United States will use ''all tools at our disposal'' to stop this threat, a senior US official said today, ahead of a crucial international meeting on Iran.

US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, speaking at a convention of Jewish-Americans, said it is too soon for the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Iran but other countries are talking about doing so and Washington is ''beefing up defensive measures to cope with the Iranian nuclear threat.'' REUTERS CH KP2249