Major powers to say terms for Iran's return to talks

The group, which includes Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States, is expected to provide details of an offer it made to Iran in October in an effort to bring Iranians back to the negotiating table.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy said on Friday that time was running out to avoid a military intervention in Iran and he appealed to China and Russia to support new sanctions to force Tehran to negotiate over its uranium enrichment program.

Western nations suspect that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons but Tehran says its nuclear program is for civilian energy purposes.

Western officials say Iran has been asking for talks with major powers "without conditions" as a stalling tactic while refusing to put its nuclear program on the table.

Friday's expected statement follows pleas by Iran's Arab neighbors for major powers to scale back an intensifying confrontation with Tehran that has raised fears of regional conflict.

(Reporting by Arshad Mohammed, editing by Ross Colvin and Vicki Allen)