The United States is considering a "full range of tools and options" including sanctions in response to Libya's use of force against protesters, State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said on Wednesday.
"We're looking at a full range of tools and options that are available to us to achieve our goals of seeing an end to the violence in Libya and respect for the rights of the Libyan people, " Crowley said at a regular press briefing at the department.
He said the options "certainly includes looking at sanctions that could be imposed," stressing that the United States will coordinate its efforts with the international community.
White House spokesman Jay Carney also told reporters that "a lot of options are under review: sanctions, other options."
"And we continue to work with the UN in reviewing various options for actions that can be taken to compel Libya to end this terrible bloodshed," he said.
The UN Security Council on Tuesday condemned the violence and use of force against civilians in Libya, deplored the repression against peaceful demonstrators and expressed deep regret at the death of hundreds of civilians.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Tuesday defied calls for his ouster, vowing to fight the intensifying revolt against his over four-decade old rule to "the last drop of blood."