Tehran, September 25: Iran has been given an ultimatum to suspend its nuclear programme and warned it will face economic sanctions unless it makes a “serious response” by 1 October.
At a special session of the United Nations Security Council yesterday which endorsed Barack Obama’s vision of a nuclear-free world, six major powers issued a tough warning to Iran. There were also growing signs that Russia is moving in favour of new sanctions against Tehran.
The US, Britain and Germany want any expanded sanctions to squeeze Iran’s vital oil sector because the country needs to import up to 40 per cent of its gasoline needs. Gordon Brown said Iran faced a “moment of truth”. The country could either join the international community or face isolation.
Mr Brown said the six nations – the US, Britain, Germany, France , Russia and China – had sent the “strongest possible message” to Iran. Last night a Downing Street spokesman said the six countries would decide their next steps after they held talks with Iran in Istanbul on 1 October.
–Agencies