IAEA opposes war on Iran

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-18-2007 10:25

File photo of Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini speaking at a news conference in Tehran, February 12, 2007. Iran on Monday condemned French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner's warning that the world should brace for a possible war over the Iranian crisis. (File Photo)

The head of the UN nuclear watch dog has criticized remarks by the French Foreign Minister that the world should brace for a possible war over the Iranian crisis. Mohamed Elbaradei says such options should only be considered as a last resort and only if authorized by the UN Security Council.

Once again, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declared Iran will not retreat from its position on the nuclear issue. He said Iran believes that except for one or two countries, the world has recognized Iran's right to own nuclear technology.

The French Foreign Minister has warned that the world should prepare for war if Iran obtains nuclear weapons. Bernard Kouchner said European leaders are considering economic sanctions. He said France has called on leading French companies to desist from investing in Iran.

Iran's Vice President hit back, saying some Western countries have deviated from the technical path of the IAEA.

Iranian UP & Atomic Energy Org. chief, said, "Unfortunately, I have to say that some Western countries, in spite of our maximum trust and good will, followed their policies by pressures and sanctions through frequent UN resolutions. Our honest cooperation with the IAEA was followed by an oppressive behavior from the Western countries."