U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flies Sunday to Latin America, where she is expected to focus on Chile's deadly earthquake and Brazil's relations with Iran.
Clinton begins her five-day tour in Uruguay, where she will attend the inauguration of President-elect Jose Mujica.
She is due next in Chile, unless the 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Saturday disrupts her plans.
Wednesday's visit to Brazil will be the centerpiece of Clinton's diplomatic efforts. She plans to lobby Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to support new sanctions against Iran.
Brazil is a voting member of the U.N. Security Council, but has warm relations with Iran and has been reluctant to further punish Tehran for its nuclear enrichment program.
Clinton ends her tour in Costa Rica and Guatemala, where she will also meet the leaders of the Dominican Republic and El Salvador.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.
