Merkel moves closer to sanctions over Iran's nuclear programme

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is willing to take a tougher stance towards Iran over its nuclear programme, her spokesman, Ulrich Wilhelm, told a Berlin news conference Monday.

"We will be monitoring very closely the steps of the Iranian government in the next few days, and depending on what happens will then go on the path towards increasing the pressure," he said in reference to economic sanctions against Iran, DPA reported.

Wilhelm said recent statements by Teheran figures showed that Iran was unwilling to agree to proposals from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad warned Sunday that his country would soon start enriching uranium to 20 per cent. Western nations believe those moves are a precursor to building nuclear weapons.