What exactly does it mean when the United Nations threatens to levy sanctions against Iran for nuclear defiance?

SanctionsA nation can influence the activities of another nations by many activities. Two are alliances and economic benefits. The withdrawal or denial of benefits can be used as a diplomatic strategy. The United States uses economic sanctions when another government follows policies that the United States considers harmful. A sanction is a measure such as withholding loans, military equipment, or economic aid. Sanctions were directed against Iraq, beginning in 1990, prior to going to war with that nation. Sanctions are being considered against Iran because of the possiblitiy that that nation is developing nuclear weapons for use in the Middle East and is providing military arms and equipment to insurgents in Iraq, which may be used agains US troops fighting in Iraq.