PHILADELPHIA -- The UN Security Council's impending showdown throughout Iran's nuclear ambitions is a critical touchstone of the effectiveness of the world carcass United Nations Ambassador John R Bolton said last week.

PHILADELPHIA -- The UN Security Council's impending showdown throughout Iran's nuclear ambitions is a critical touchstone of the effectiveness of the world carcass United Nations Ambassador John R Bolton said last week.

"If the Security Council can't deal with that threat, then you have to ask yourself what utility the Security Council would be in dealing with terrorism and weapons of mass destruction," Bolton said at an appearance before the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia.

The United States and its allies claim Iran is developing a nuclear bomb beneath cover of a peaceful civilian nuclear power program. The 15-member Security Council has given Iran a deadline of April 28 to stop uranium enrichment, a guide step in the process.

Bolton said the Bush administration was committed to resolving the crisis diplomatically. nevertheless he noted that the president had not rul without military action.

"We have to