Britain and America are expected to table a new United Nations resolution next week intended to give the green light for military action against Iraq.
US Secretary of State Colin Powell says he intends to put down a draft resolution in the Security Council in the very near future.
It is believed the text will be presented before chief weapons inspector Hans Blix delivers his latest report to the Security Council February 28.
It appears unlikely it will actually be debated and voted on next week.
However it is thought London and Washington will not want to wait until March 14, the date proposed by the French for Dr Blix to present a further report.
Mr Powell says discussions are continuing on the exact wording of the new resolution.
Officials are thought to be considering whether it should simply declare Iraq in material breach of its obligations to disarm under resolution 1441, or whether it should call explicitly for "serious consequences" - diplomatic code for military force.
Diplomats have also not ruled out including an ultimatum setting a final deadline for Saddam to give up his weapons of mass destruction.
The strength of the wording is likely to depend on how much support Britain and the US believe they have in the 15-member Security Council.
Altogether they need nine votes if the resolution is to be passed. However they face stiff opposition led by France and Russia, both permanent members of the council able to veto any new resolution.
PA