Iran this week refused to suspend its nuclear program, setting the stage for a showdown in the United Nations over economic sanctions. Iran formally rejected an offer by the U.S., Britain, Germany, France, Russia, and China to provide economic and energy aid to Iran, in return for its willingness to suspend uranium enrichment. 'œThe Islamic Republic of Iran has made its decision and, in the issue of nuclear energy, will continue its path powerfully,' said Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme religious leader.
Iran did offer to begin 'œserious' negotiations to end the nuclear stalemate. Some Western diplomats speculated that Iran might be willing to suspend nuclear activities in return for assurances that the U.S. will not try to topple its government. But the U.S. rejected the notion of negotiating with Iran while its nuclear ambitions remain unchecked, and called for tough sanctions. 'œIn order for the U.N. to be effective,' President Bush said, 'œthere have to be consequences if people thumb their nose at the U.N. Security Council.'
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