New Sanctions on Iran Expected Shortly

Global powers will put forward a draft United Nations Security Council resolution pushing for a new round of sanctions on Iran imminently, according to a French diplomat speaking on the 21^st January.

The sanctions are connected to Iran’s nuclear programme – a source of both political and military concern throughout much of 2007.

The Foreign Ministers associated with the Security Council’s five permanent members, along with that of Germany, were due to have attained concordance on the draft on the 22^nd January, the diplomat advised, adding: "I think we will be able to transmit it to the Security Council in the coming days."

Iran Sanctions a Result of Continued Uranium Enrichment

Washington, alongside its allies within the EU, has urged for fresh sanctions in light of Iran’s refusal to halt its enrichment of uranium – a process that can be used in the production of nuclear weapons.

Iran has maintained that its enrichment programme is linked to civilian use.

US Report: Iran Ended Nuclear Programme in 2003

Both China and Russia – which have significant trade connections to Iran – have been disinclined to support further sanctions. Additionally, a key report on Iran presented the Islamic state relatively positively – complicating attempts to justify the sanctions’ need to Russia and China.

A National Intelligence Estimate published towards the end of last year asserted that Iran ceased its nuclear weapon production in 2003 – a verdict that stood against US President George W. Bush’s warnings on the threat it posed the world.

As ever, Armed Forces International will continue to provide up to date coverage of the very latest news to emerge on the subject of Iranian nuclear concerns as we get the facts.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Political Correspondent

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