U.S. Urges Allies to Toughen Stance : Gulf crisis: Citing the global reach of the Mideast turmoil, Bush and Baker are seeking to extend sanctions against Iraq.

Warning that the world could be plunged “into a new dark age,” the United States urged its allies today to accelerate economic sanctions against Iraq for invading Kuwait.

President Bush, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to his Maine vacation home, said today that he is determined to see economic sanctions “tightened up even more” against Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

“I would advise Iraqi ships not to go out with oil,” Bush warned.

Asked whether he was calling for a naval blockade to enforce a U.N. trade embargo against Iraq, Bush replied, “I’m not prepared to use the word blockade , but we are prepared.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of State James A. Baker III, speaking after a NATO meeting in Brussels, said, “Given the significance of gulf oil to the world economy, we all have an interest in thwarting Iraq’s menacing and unlimited ambitions.”

He said the United States was “very disturbed” that foreign citizens, including Americans, were not being allowed to leave Iraq and Kuwait. But, he said, “nothing has been asked or demanded for their freedom, so we are not calling them hostages.”

White House spokesman Marlin Fitzwater said diplomatic efforts to win the freedom of the Americans included discussions with the Iraqis. “We are told (the U.S. citizens) are being treated decently,” Fitzwater said.

In a dramatic statement, Baker escalated the already high stakes of the Middle East standoff, saying its outcome would have worldwide ramifications and would test the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s clout in a time of improved relations with the Soviet Union.

“This is the first crisis of the post postwar era,” Baker said. Germany, Belgium and Canada indicated they soon will send forces to confront Iraq, he said. Canada said it will send three ships with a combined crew of 800 for duty in the Persian Gulf.

Fresh ground deployments would be a major boost to the Bush Administration’s efforts for a multinational deterrent force.

Bush, under terms of the War Powers Act, today officially informed Congress of the Saudi military deployment and played down the possibility of war.

“I do not believe involvement in hostilities is imminent,” Bush said in a letter to Congress. “To the contrary, it is my belief that this deployment will facilitate a peaceful resolution of the crisis.”