He said there would be discussions on Monday among the six world powers seeking a nuclear deal with Iran.

Following this, the world powers "should move this to the Security Council and should draft a resolution," Burns said.

Speaking to an American academy thinktank press event, he said that the draft should be ready by the opening of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.

The US official said that the Iranians have failed to suspend uranium enrichment, the condition for starting talks with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States on a package of incentives for the Islamic Republic.

"If they don't do that (freeze enrichment work), it is clear we are heading very shortly to the Security Council to consider sanctions," he said.

In a meeting in Berlin Thursday, the six nations had "a first discussion on what the sanctions regime would look like," Burns said.

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