AFP: The White House on Monday warned Iran that it may be referred to the UN Security Council after the Islamic republic announced it would resume controversial nuclear fuel research. WASHINGTON, Jan 9 (AFP) – The White House on Monday warned Iran that it may be referred to the UN Security Council after the Islamic republic announced it would resume controversial nuclear fuel research.
The international community has already warned Tehran that “the next step would be a referral to the Security Council” if it failed to keep its international obligations, White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters.
There is within the international community a “clear majority to take the matter to the Security Council if Iran does not live up to its obligations and commitments.”
He said Iran must maintain a total suspension of activities linked to uranium enrichment, which produces fuel for nuclear power reactors but can also be used to make atomic bombs.
“The international community has growing concerns about the regime’s pursuit of nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian nuclear program,” the spokesman said.
“The comments and actions of the regime only further isolate Iran from the rest of the international community,” he said.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had warned last week that Washington may initiate action to haul Iran before the UN Security Council if it pursued its latest threat to resume nuclear fuel research.
The European Union and the United States fear Iran’s civil nuclear program could provide cover for developing a nuclear bomb. Tehran denies it, insisting the program is designed solely to meet its electricity needs.
Europe has warned that resuming nuclear fuel research, which would end a two-year suspension, would jeopardize any resumption of wider talks on ending the crisis with the West over Iran’s nuclear activities.
