Defying the U.N.

Tehran

Iran this week refused to halt its nuclear programs, even as a U.N. Security Council deadline ran out. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Iran was willing to negotiate, but only without preconditions. The Security Council has demanded that Iran first halt its enrichment of uranium, a process that can make fuel for power plants or bombs. “If they say that we should close down our fuel facilities to resume talks, we say fine,” said Ahmadinejad, “but those who enter talks with us should also close down their nuclear fuel production facilities.” The U.S. quickly dismissed that idea. “Do you believe that’s a serious offer?” asked a White House spokesman. The Security Council will now consider additional sanctions.

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