Iran vows retaliation against UN sanctions
Oct 22 4:46 AM US/Eastern
Iran would take "appropriate measures" in response to any UN Security Council sanctions imposed against Tehran over its nuclear programme, the foreign ministry spokesman warned.
"Imposing sanctions has repercussions on both sides, regionally and internationally. They already know this. If they impose sanctions we will take appropriate measures," Mohammad Ali Hosseini told reporters.
Asked if such regional repercussions would have an effect on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for transporting oil out of the Gulf, he replied: "It depends on the kind of sanctions."
Hosseini did not elaborate.
The foreign ministry spokesman admitted that the Islamic republic appeared to be heading for sanctions over its refusal to suspend uranium enrichment, a process the West fears could be diverted to making nuclear weapons.
"The path they are taking is the Security Council, passing resolutions and imposing sanctions," he said. "The stance they are taking is towards sanctions."
But he reaffirmed Iran's unequivocal rejection of Western calls for it to halt uranium enrichment before any full negotiations take place. "The suspension of uranium enrichment does not have any place in our policy."
"If the conditions of the negotiations were fair, this issue could be discussed," he added.
Iran insists that its nuclear programme is solely aimed at generating energy and vehemently rejects US charges that it is seeking atomic weapons.
Iran vows retaliation against UN sanctions
