Iran Focus

Tehran, Iran, Jun. 01 - Iran’s top envoy to the United Nations emphasised that Tehran’s desire to fulfil its nuclear ambitions has become even greater, state media reported on Saturday.

“Iran will not accept suspension’ of its uranium enrichment activities as the UN Security Council has demanded, Mohammad Khazaee said in reference to proposed talks and an enhanced incentives package from the world’s major powers. His remarks were carried by the state-run news agency Fars.

Khazaee’s comments pour cold water on the new incentives package being offered to Tehran by the UN Security Council's Five Permanent Members and Germany. Uranium enrichment and the production of nuclear fuel are seen as integral parts in the process of acquiring a nuclear weapon.

The Security Council voted in March to impose a third set of sanctions on Iran over its refusal to halt its suspected nuclear weapons activity. A European-sponsored resolution was adopted at the 15-member Council by 14 votes in favour, none opposed, and one abstention from Indonesia.

Resolution 1803 increased the mild trade bans in effect on Iran to include certain goods with both civilian and military uses. Under the new sanctions, certain Iranian companies and banks will have their accounts frozen, and goods entering and leaving Iran must be subjected to inspections.

The Security Council previously imposed two sets of milder sanctions on Tehran in December 2006 and March 2007 over its refusal to halt its uranium enrichment activities which the West suspects is part of a nuclear weapons program.

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