Merkel: Iran sanctions needed

BERLIN (AP) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel says new sanctions are needed against Iran to pressure the country into settling the dispute over its nuclear program.

Speaking to reporters Monday after talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Merkel said Iran had rejected all "constructive offers" put forward by the group of six nations negotiating with Tehran.

She said, "We are about to enter the stage where sanctions should be taken against Iran."

The U.S., Britain, France and Germany have been pushing a fourth round of sanctions against Iran, while China and Russia have been calling for diplomatic negotiations.

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. and its allies maintain it aims to develop nuclear weapons.