AFP: The United States said Monday it would not halt or slow its drive for toughened sanctions on Iran, despite Tehran’s new nuclear swap deal with Turkey and Brazil.
WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States said Monday it would not halt or slow its drive for toughened sanctions on Iran, despite Tehran’s new nuclear swap deal with Turkey and Brazil.
“It does not change the steps that we are taking to hold Iran responsible for its obligations, including sanctions,” said White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.
Iran earlier signed an agreement with non-permanent UN Security Council members Turkey and Brazil to ship 1,200 kilograms (2,640 pounds) of its low enriched uranium to Turkey for a later swap for nuclear reactor fuel.
Gibbs, who had earlier issued a written statement expressing “serious concerns” about the deal, said that if Tehran lived up to the new pact it would represent “some progress.”
But even if that took place, Gibbs said Washington had concerns about the “overall thrust” of the nuclear program and the fact Tehran said it would continuing enriching uranium to 20 percent.
