Council meets over sanctions

Major powers, meeting in Washington, said on Friday they had "serious and constructive" talks about new U.N. Security Council sanctions aimed at trying to force Iran to halt its nuclear work, following two rounds of limited sanctions since December.

The officials of the five permanent Security Council members and Germany said they will keep pursuing a "dual track" approach to Iran -- trying to persuade it to abandon such activities via negotiations while considering new sanctions.

The Islamic Republic showed among its weaponry Saturday a type of missile, Shahab-3, it has said could reach (1,250 miles) -- enabling it to hit Israel and U.S. bases in the region. Another missile at the parade, Ghadr-1, can reach targets 1,800 km (1,125 miles) away, he said. It was believed to be the first time it has been shown publicly.