Iran Nuclear Watch: Iran Threatens United States with “Harm and Pain”
Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, waves to supporters in western of Iran, Wednesday, March. 8, 2006. Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that Iran has made its decision to pursue a peaceful nuclear program and the world has to give in to Iran’s right for uranium enrichment. Ahmadienjad was apparently referring to the United States which has rejected a Russian proposal to allow Iran carry out research-scale uranium enrichment in return for suspension of large-scale enrichment.
ASSociated Press: Iran Threatens U.S. With ‘Harm and Pain’
Iran threatened the United States with “harm and pain” Wednesday for its role in hauling Tehran before the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program.
But the United States and its European allies said Iran’s nuclear intransigence left the world no choice but to ask for Security Council action. The council could impose economic and political sanctions on Iran.
The statements were delivered to the 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which is meeting to focus on Tehran’s refusal to freeze uranium enrichment.
YAWN……Iran has been intransigent in their position for uranium enrichment. If they don’t stand down their nuclear program the United States and Israel will do it for them.
The meeting is in effect the last step before the Security Council begins considering Iran’s nuclear activities and international fears they could be misused to make weapons. It began with both Iran and nations which oppose its enrichment plans sticking to their positions, reflecting the deadlock that prompted the IAEA board to seek Security Council intervention.
The Quote:
“The United States has the power to cause harm and pain,” said a statement delivered by the Iranian delegation. “But the United States is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if that is the path that the U.S. wishes to choose, let the ball roll.”
The ball continues in the United States court but be prepared for a measured but steadfast diplomatic response.
Will Iran fire a shot across the United States bow? Will they start an oil crisis or blockade oil tanker routes?
Javad Vaeidi of the Iranian delegation waits for the start of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) 35-nation board meeting, Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at Vienna’s International Center. Europe expressed renewed concern about Iran’s nuclear agenda Wednesday as the board focused on Tehran’s refusal to freeze uranium enrichment and fully cooperate with an IAEA probe ahead of U.N. Security Council action.
The statement did not elaborate on what Iran meant by “harm and pain,” and Iranian officials were not immediately available to comment.
But diplomats accredited to the meeting and in contact with the Iranians said the statement could be a veiled threat to use oil as an economic weapon.
Iran is the second-largest producer within the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and a boycott could target Europe, China or India.
The republic also could cause difficulties in southern Iraq. On Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld accused Tehran of dispatching elements of its Revolutionary Guard to stir trouble inside Iraq.
The POINT OF NO RETURN for the United States and Israel is approaching.
Flap handicaps the United States will await United Nations Security Council action before making other than covert and/or diplomatic moves.
But, will Iran wait?
Doubtful.
Iran’s statement was unusually harsh, reflecting Tehran’s frustration at failing to deflect the threat of Security Council action against it in the coming weeks. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is for generating electricity.
“Our nation has made its decision to fully use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and all have to give in to this decision made by the Iranian nation,” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in Iran. “We have made our choice.”
Iran also attacked “warmongers in Washington” for what it said was an unjust accusation that Tehran’s nuclear intentions were mainly for military use. It also suggested America was vulnerable, despite its strength.
“Surely we are not naive about the United States’ … intention to flex muscles,” the statement said. “But we also see the bone fractures underneath.”
It also threatened broader retaliation, without being specific, saying Iran “will adapt our policy and adjust our approach to conform with the new exigencies.”
Earlier, U.S. delegate Gregory Schulte insisted in comments to the board that “the time has now come for the Security Council to act.”
The United States’ strategy may be to force China to veto a Security Council resolution condemning Iran’s nuclear program, then take our own economic and/or military action – like a blockade or embargo. But, America will NOT expect any action from the United Nations.
The ball is clearly in President Bush’s court.
Stay tuned…..
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The Natanz uranium enrichment complex in Natanz is pictured in this January 2, 2006 satellite image.
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