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U.S. Hints at Sanctions on Iran

The U.S. has sent a strong signal it will impose sanctions on Iran if Tehran does not cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

When asked on June 21 whether the U.S. is considering imposing sanctions on Iran, Secretary of State Colin Powell answered: “With respect to Iran, they have been put on notice, once again rather firmly and strongly, in this new resolution that the international community is expecting them to answer its questions and to respond fully. And in due course, we will have a chance to examine their response in September and at that time judgments can be made as to what action might be appropriate.”

Powell spoke to journalists in Washington after his meeting with IAEA Director-General Muhammad Al-Barade’i.

In response, Iran’s spiritual leader Sayyid ‘Ali Khamanai said, “The U.S. stirred up controversy over Iran’s scientific progress in order to avenge the end of its hegemony over Iran after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.” Khamanai added, “The reason for the U.S. propaganda against the Iranian nuclear program is that the enemies of the Iranian nation and the government are worried about the fact that nuclear technology has become indigenous in Iran.”

The ongoing tension between Iran and the U.S. and Europe is the outcome of IAEA allegations about Iran’s lack of sufficient cooperation with regard to its nuclear plan. The IAEA still has serious doubts about Iran’s claim that it did not develop nuclear technology for military purposes.