Brown threatens tougher sanctions against Iran
Iran’s nuclear ambitions are the “greatest challenge to non-proliferation” facing the international community, the prime minister said last night.
In his first major speech on foreign policy, Gordon Brown said the UK would take the global lead in pushing for tougher sanctions against the Islamic republic if it continues with its military nuclear programme.
But in a carrot and stick approach, Mr Brown offered to support Iran to develop its civil nuclear programme if it could prove it is not looking to develop nuclear weapons.
Addressing the Lord Mayor’s annual banquet in London’s Guildhall, Mr Brown said Iran could enjoy a “transformed relationship” with the world if it abided with its obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
He warned Iran he would push for tougher sanctions on oil and gas if it failed to comply with UN resolutions.
Mr Brown said: “We will lead in seeking tougher sanctions both at the UN and in the European Union, including on oil and gas investment and the financial sector.”
The Conservatives welcomed Mr Brown’s toughened stance against Iran.
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague said: “We have called for many months for international sanctions targeted at investment in Iranian oil and gas, and its financial sector.
“The prime minister has listened and has finally come round to our way of thinking. We welcome this and look to the urgent implementation of his proposals.”
Earlier, the prime minister had warned diplomatic efforts to resolve the nuclear dispute with Iran must be stepped up.
In an interview with Sky News he said: “I think people are genuinely worried about the nuclear ambitions of Iran in contravention of everything that has been promised.
“I believe, however, that while nothing should be ruled out, it is important to say that the sanctions that we are placing on Iran are having some effect, that we will continue to look at how the United Nations regime can be improved if it becomes necessary but Iran of course has an opportunity to comply with the International Atomic Energy Authority and with its obligations under the Nuclear Proliferation Treaty and I hope they will do so.”
Addressing the Lord Mayor’s banquet, Mr Brown also defended the UK’s “special relationship” with the US, warning he had “no truck” with anti-Americanism.
Mr Brown said: “I believe that our ties with America – founded on values we share – constitute our most important bilateral relationship.
“And it is good for Britain, for Europe and for the wider world that today France and Germany and the European Union are building stronger relationships with America.”
The prime minister said strong international relationships should be used to build stronger international institutions, which could adequately tackle global issues such as climate change and failed states.
