Iran scorns Security Council vote

UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. Security Council imposed another round of sanctions on Iran for refusing to suspend uranium enrichment, but Iran defiantly vowed Monday to continue its nuclear program despite the nearly unanimous censuring vote.

The resolution authorized a third set of sanctions targeting individuals, companies and equipment that could be used in Iran’s nuclear program. It was adopted on a vote of 14-0, with Indonesia abstaining.

Two previous sanctions resolutions were adopted unanimously, but diplomats said this vote still sent a strong message to the Tehran government that there is global concern that Iran is trying to produce nuclear weapons. Iran insists the program is aimed only at generating power.

Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Khazee said just before Monday’s vote that his government would not comply with what he called “unlawful action” against Iran’s “peaceful nuclear program.” He said the Security Council was being “downgraded to a mere tool of the national foreign policy of just a few countries.”

“Iran cannot and will not accept a requirement which is legally defective and politically coercive,” Khazee said. “History tells us that no amount of pressure, intimidation and threat will be able to coerce our nation to give up its basic and legal rights.”

The six nations at the forefront of efforts to ensure Iran does not develop an atomic weapon program – the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany – said the resolution sends “a strong message of international resolve” about “the proliferation risks of its nuclear program.”

Foreign ministers of the six countries issued a joint statement reaffirming their dual-track approach: Political, security and economic incentives offered in June 2006 if Iran suspends enrichment remains on the table and can be further developed.

For the first time, the council has banned trade with Iran in goods that have both civilian and military uses. The resolution authorizes inspection of cargo suspected of containing banned items on planes and ships owned or operated by Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line.

The resolution introduces financial monitoring of two banks with purported links to suspect Iranian nuclear activities, Bank Melli and Bank Saderat.

The council calls on all countries “to exercise vigilance” in entering into new trade commitments with Iran, including granting export credits, guarantees or insurance.

It orders countries to freeze the assets of 12 additional companies and 13 individuals with links to Iran’s missile programs – and report the travel of those Iranians. It imposes a travel ban on five individuals linked to Iran’s nuclear effort.