German Chancellor Angela Merkel is pushing Iran to resume talks on its disputed nuclear program, or face new sanctions.
She said Thursday that stronger sanctions in the energy and financial sectors would be considered if Iran does not agree to negotiate by September.
The United States and other Western countries believe Iran is developing a nuclear bomb, but Tehran says it is pursuing nuclear energy.
Ms. Merkel met in Berlin Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country considers Iran its greatest threat.
Mr. Netanyahu said those who call for the destruction of the Jewish state cannot go unchallenged.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for Israel to be wiped off the map.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.