Iran's tougher stance on nuclear issue gets on U.S. nerves
English.news.cn 2010-02-24 20:56:24 FeedbackPrintRSS
BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) --
Iran's newly announced plan to build two more uranium enrichment plants in the next year and its letter to the IAEA that proposes a simultaneous fuel swap within its territory are getting on U.S. nerves and may incur strong sanctions from the UN Security Council.
The United States has sent a clear warning to Tehran saying its latest proposal was "unacceptable" and that as a result, the country faces the "prospect of sanctions."
IRAN TURNS TOUGHER ON NUCLEAR PROGRAM BUT KEEPS ENGAGEMENT WITH IAEA
Though a series of signals were recently sent out by Iran to show its resolve to continue to develop its nuclear program, the Islamic republic has still kept open the door of cooperation with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and its commitment to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.
Analysts believe that overall, Iran's insistence was not just for developing new energy but for burnishing its national glory and cementing its role as a regional power.
The reason why Iran dares to take a tougher stance on its nuclear program is that
the political situation in Tehran is stable and the possible international sanctions may not do substantial harm to its national economy, analysts believe.
The defiant Iran was trying to force the U.S. to accept it as a nuclear power so as to reverse hostile policies against it and win more chips for future nuclear negotiations or even direct dialogue with the U.S, the analysts believe.
Meanwhile, Iran's recent tactics have continued Tehran's strategy of remaining committed to developing nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. That's while citing the non-proliferation treaty as its excuse for developing its program and at the same time making the international community believe that a diplomatic resolution is viable, analysts believe.
U.S. PUSHING EFFICIENT SANCTIONS AGAINST IRAN
Shortly after Iran announced its new plan, the United States warned Tehran that "time and patience is running out" over its suspect nuclear program.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs reiterated U.S. warnings of "consequences" if Iran continues to develop uranium enrichment capabilities.
Gibbs said Monday the United States is working on the "strongest sanctions that have ever gone through the Security Council" since last year's Resolution 1874 targeting the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said that the United States and other powers were reviewing Iranian targets for sanctions and Washington would offer specific proposals to the United Nations in the coming weeks.
Besides pushing for UN sanctions, the U.S. was also intensifying its unilateral sanctions against Iran.
Mark Dubowitz and Reuel Marc Gerecht, both of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, published an article "The Case for Gasoline Sanctions on Iran" in The Wall Street Journal on Monday.
They said although President Barack Obama's administration wants to use tougher penalties to make Tehran stop its uranium enrichment effort, the White House hasn't pushed refined petroleum sanctions.
"For the administration, targeted financial sanctions against the holdings of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the U.S. has already designated a terrorist organization, are a more appealing way to push Iran's rulers to the negotiating table," the article said.
On Feb. 10, the Obama administration announced new sanctions on Iran's all-powerful Revolutionary Guard. It ordered a freeze on assets of an individual and four firms linked to the Revolutionary Guard.
David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, said in an interview with the Council on Foreign Relations last week, that
it was essential that the United States talk to Iran directly and on many fronts.
He also suggested bringing in more players striving for a goal of a Middle East free of nuclear weapons capabilities.
Albright has been very strong in urging that no military force be used to stop Iran's nuclear program.
He urges the United States to seek tougher sanctions, but also to open wide-ranging negotiations with Iran
Iran's tougher stance on nuclear issue gets on U.S. nerves
