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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Whatever happened to 'œpre-emption?' asked Mario Loyola in National Review Online. The White House may be shying away from this 'œnow-vulgar term' for fear of hindering diplomatic efforts. But Iran only sees this retreat as 'œan invitation to speed up its nuclear program.' After 9/11, Bush declared a willingness to attack countries deemed a mortal threat, even if they didn't attack us first. Well, what could be more of a threat than a nuclear Iran?
Los Angeles Times