World powers threatened new sanctions against Iran on Monday after Tehran defiantly pledged to build 10 more uranium-enrichment plants, but Russia warned against further escalating the dispute.
Iran’s weekend vow to build the plants sparked strong reactions from the United States, Germany, Britain and France — four of the six world powers negotiating with Tehran over its nuclear programme.
But China had yet to respond to Iran’s announcement, while Russia’s energy minister said Moscow was against escalating Iran’s nuclear row. Backing from China and Russia, close trade partners with Iran, would be key to imposing new penalties.
France was harsh in its criticism, with Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner branding Iran’s threat “ridiculous” and “childish”.
Defence Minister Herve Morin said Tehran’s defiance meant the international community “would probably have to impose new economic sanctions”.
“The uranium-enrichment programmes have no other goal than a military goal,” he said, citing what he said was evidence “from the intelligence services of several countries, notably France”.
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Iran would face new sanctions if it builds the plants.
“What is clear is that if Iran rejects the hand that has reached out, it must expect heavier sanctions,” Westerwelle said in a statement.
“Iran must know that the international community’s patience is not unlimited.”
Britain could begin mulling new sanctions next month, Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s spokesperson said, while also stressing the importance of talks.
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said that “instead of engaging with us, Iran chooses to provoke”.
“Iran can flaunt its isolation but this will only increase the calm, determination and unity of the international community,” Miliband said.
Iran’s announcement on Sunday that it planned to construct the new plants came after a resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) last week condemning Tehran for building a second uranium-enrichment site.
Russia and China had backed the IAEA resolution on the plant near the Shi’ite holy city of Qom.
Western countries suspect Iran’s nuclear programme is aimed at building atomic weapons, a charge that Tehran has consistently denied.
The UN Security Council has already imposed three sets of sanctions on Iran for enriching uranium at its first plant in the central city of Natanz.
But Western powers, led by the United States, are seeking to both engage Iran and hold out the threat of new sanctions.
They want Tehran to agree to an IAEA-brokered deal that envisages sending its stocks of low-enriched uranium abroad in one go.
White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs said in a statement after Iran’s announcement that time was running out for Tehran.
“If true, this would be yet another serious violation of Iran’s clear obligations under multiple UN Security Council resolutions, and another example of Iran choosing to isolate itself,” Gibbs said in a statement.
“Time is running out for Iran to address the international community’s growing concerns about its nuclear programme.”
Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko, who was visiting Iran on Monday, said Moscow wanted to see more talks.
“I think there is still good scope to continue negotiations,” Shmatko told a joint media conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki. — AFP