According to Bernard Kouchner, the French Foreign Minister, global conflict could result in respect of the current Iranian nuclear programme. Speaking to the French media, Mr Kouchner stated: "We have to prepare for the worst, and the worst is war".

His comments preceded a visit, due today, to Russia, in which the issues surrounding Iran will probably be a central focus. Elsewhere, the United Nations nuclear regulatory division's AGM starts today - another location where Iran-talk is likely to loom large.

In response to claims made by the US and others, Iran is remaining adamant in declaring its non-involvement in acquiring weapons of mass destruction. However, it also remains determined to continue enriching supplies of uranium.

Mr Kouchner urged for discussions with the middle east nation to last "right to the end". He stressed, however, the "real danger" that Iranian nuclear devices would pose "for the whole world". He added that several prominent French firms had been requested to avoid tendering for Iranian business. "We are not banning French companies from submitting", he said. "We have advised them not to. These are private companies... and we are not the only ones to have done this."

The Foreign Minister also described France's wish for the European Union to get ready sanctions against Iran. "We have decided that while negotiations are continuing to prepare eventual sanctions outside the ambit of UN sanctions", he said, adding: "Our good friends, the Germans, suggested that".

To date, the UN Security Council's Iranian sanctions have been restricted to areas of economy, rather than military.

According to one industry expert, France's discourse regarding Iran is likely to be received well in Washington. In the US itself, the possibility of attacking Iran, to ensure it cannot acquire nuclear capability, remains an un-dismissed one.

Source - Armed Forces International's European Correspondent

Recent related News Items:

Bush Warns Iran to End Iraqi Militant Funding

US Claims Iranian Weapons in Taleban's Hands

Further Nuclear-related News Items:

US Nuclear Team Visits North Korea

Full North Korean Nuclear Disarmament by Year-End