Additional European Sanctions Possible Against Iran

by Jason Green
Impunity Watch Reporter, Europe

European authorities are considering additional sanctions against Iran in response to its continued refusal to halt its nuclear development program.  Although Iranian officials insist that their nuclear technology will only be used to generate power, there is great concern throughout Europe that Iran is planning to build a nuclear arsenal. 

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner recently urged the U.N. Security Council to toughen its sanctions against Iran.  To date, the Council has passed two sets of sanctions, and both have failed to persuade Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program. 

Speaking on a French radio station last Sunday, Kouchner considered the possibility that Iran’s defiance may lead to war.  “We have to prepare for the worst, and the worst is war,” Kouchner told listeners. 

Joining in the effort to pressure Iran to halt its nuclear program are the United States, Britain, and Germany.  Absent successful U.N. sanctions, these nations are considering alternative economic and diplomatic penalties.  France has already asked two of its largest oil companies, Total and Gaz de France, to not perform work in Iran.  The U.S. and Germany are also considering similar sanctions if U.N. measures fail. 

The European powers will meet again on September 21 to discuss further action.  They will be joined by Russia and China.  It is possible that Russia may have the most leverage against Iran, as they are the chief supplier of fuel for Iran’s nuclear reactor. 

In response to European pressure, Iran is threatening to stop cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if any new sanctions are imposed.  Reuters reports that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has no intention of ever abandoning uranium enrichment.  On state television, he told Iran that “[The west] talks about imposing sanctions against Iran, but they cannot do it.” 

Iran’s continued refusal could lead to a showdown in the coming months with western powers over its right to harbor nuclear weapon’s capabilities.  This could create more instability in a region that is already torn apart by the war in Iraq.

For more information please see:

AP - France warns nuclear Iran could mean war - 16 September 2007.

BBC - France warning of war with Iran - 17 September 2007

Reuters - France says must prepare for possible war with Iran - 16 September 2007