The unanimous UN Security Council resolution imposed on Iran at the weekend illustrates how the Bush administration has made keeping international unity a higher priority than imposing significant sanctions that would materially hurt Tehran.

Washington had to back away from some of its initial proposals, including a ban on all export credits and non-humanitarian financing for Iran, but analysts and western diplomats said the 15-0 vote on Saturday would demonstrate again to Iran its failure to divide the international community over the nuclear issue.