Washington ? With other nations’ opposition hardening, the Bush administration left open the possibility Tuesday that it would not seek a United Nations vote on its war-making resolution if the measure was clearly headed for defeat.

One option under serious consideration was President Bush giving Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein a final ultimatum, perhaps with a short-term deadline, in a national address next week, two senior White House officials said.

In a new blow, Russia’s top diplomat said Tuesday that Moscow may use its veto against a U.N. measure. Even without a veto from Russia, China or France, the United States still doesn’t have the nine votes needed to win approval of the resolution, according to both supporters and opponents.

Once the vote is resolved one way or another, Bush will intensify his case for war, officials said, barring unforeseen events such as Saddam suddenly disarming or going into exile.

A presidential news conference and a Cabinet meeting have also been discussed as ways for Bush to communicate his plans to the nation next week. He may stop short of an ultimatum, officials said, but would make it clear that war is imminent in other ways, such as warning journalists and humanitarian workers to get out of Iraq.