UN passes Iran nuclear sanctions

The Iranian government has vowed to continue its nuclear programme

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to impose sanctions against Iran over its failure to halt uranium enrichment.

The sanctions ban the supply of nuclear-related technology and materials, freeze certain assets and limit travel for specific individuals.


The US representative warned that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons would make it less, not more, secure.


Iran says its programme is for peaceful purposes and has vowed to continue.


The draft was amended several times to meet objections from Russia and China.


Hours before the vote, Russia's Vladimir Putin and US President George W Bush discussed the issue by telephone, agreeing on the importance of a unified stance.


The US ambassador to the UN said the resolution sent a strong warning that there would be serious repercussions to Iran's continued defiance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).


"If necessary, we will not hesitate to return to this body if Iran does not take further steps to comply," he said.


Delayed vote

The main sticking point for the five permanent members of the Security Council was getting Russia to agree on sanctions, the BBC's Andy Gallacher reports from the UN.


After protracted negotiations, Russia agreed to back the resolution, saying it would send a "strong message" to Iran about the need to comply with the International Atomic Energy Agency.


In a statement before the Security Council, the Russian representative emphasised that the resolution did not authorise the use of force.


The text has been watered down to take account of Russian concerns over such provisions as a freeze on the assets abroad of specific Iranian individuals and organisations.


Both China and Russia have strong financial ties with Iran.
Russia is building a nuclear power station in the country and China has significant oil interests in Iran.


The resolution demands that Tehran end all uranium enrichment work, which can produce fuel for nuclear plants as well as for bombs.


Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has threatened to reconsider relations with those countries which support sanctions.

Forget sanctions, if Iran wants to glow at night, we should help them.

you know, it is inevitable that more and more countries are going to become nuclear powers.. I'm of the opinion that if we really want to keep peace or stay a leading world power our best bet is to stay ahead of the curve instead of trying to keep all the developing countries down.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to see anyone with nuclear weapons (us included), however, since its going to happen eventually it would just be better for us and the world if we focused on sophisticated defensive systems and solutions to radiation.

Nah, if we turn Iran into a huge bowl of glass, I seriously doubt any other country would attempt to make anything nuclear.

Always have that "kill switch" flipped to the on position.

Bwhahaha BOOM!! And I got cargo space so load me up with them explosives, baby!

And not to mension I got some deck space for them aeroplanes to take off, nothing like them warships but going in as a luxary ship might trick them to thinking someone only be wanting to cruise =P

They shall be glowing in diffrent raident explosive colours once reach port...

-RMS Carpathia-

That would be true Carpathia. I would just hate to lose such a fine treasure as yourself. When bombs and missiles would accomplish the same thing and not endanger such a fine vessel.

Vepl

But that is why I'd use newspaper ... I would hide behind that... NO one will ever see a giant Oceanliner under there! It is camoflauge! Besides th explosives would be loaded off me onto them aeroplanes and you guys fly and make Iran light up like a Christmas tree =P

Tell me on the Marconi Wireless how it goes ^_^

-RMS Carpathia-