Merkel says she backs further sanctions on Iran

WIESBADEN, Germany (Reuters) - The United Nations must introduce further sanctions against Iran if Tehran does not respond to U.N. demands over its nuclear programme, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday.

"It is obvious that if Iran does not (comply) a new round of sanctions must be introduced," said Merkel at a news conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "We're in agreement. If that does not help, there has to be a new round of sanctions."

The U.N. Security Council has passed two sanctions resolutions against Iran for failing to halt uranium enrichment.