British Premier Says Tougher Sanctions Likely Against Iran
LONDON — Prime Minister Brown said yesterday that tougher sanctions are likely against Iran over its contested nuclear program, and he declined to reject outright the prospect of future military action.
Johnny Green / AP
The British leader speaks during his first regular press conference as prime minister, at no. 10 Downing Street in London yesterday.
Mr. Brown, holding his first Downing Street press conference, said he believed sanctions aimed at persuading Iran to halt uranium enrichment were working, but he predicted a swift new U.N. Security Council resolution aimed at increasing pressure on President Ahmadinejad.
"I'm not one who is going forward to say we rule out any particular form of action," Mr. Brown said, asked if he would rule out options for future military action against Iran.
"But I firmly believe that the sanctions we are imposing on Iran are sanctions that are having an effect already," he said. "There will probably be a further resolution in relation to Iran soon, and I believe that is a way forward that is working and will work."
America and some of its allies, including Britain, fear Tehran is using its civilian nuclear program as a cover to produce atomic weapons. Iran denies the charge and has rejected two U.N. Security Council resolutions requiring it to halt uranium enrichment work.
