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US welcomes EU, Canadian sanctions against Iran
The US has welcomed actions by the European Union and Canada to adopt new sanctions against Iran in line with the UN Security Council resolution, saying this gives a clear message to its leaders that they either meet responsibilities or face isolation.
The US has welcomed actions by the European Union and Canada to adopt new sanctions against Iran in line with the UN Security Council resolution, saying this gives a clear message to its leaders that they either meet responsibilities or face isolation.
"These steps underscore the steadfast European and Canadian leadership to hold Iran accountable for its failure to meet its international obligations and set a high standard for global implementation of sanctions," Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said in a joint statement.
The UNSC resolution imposes additional sanctions against Iran's financial, insurance, transportation, trade and energy sectors, as well as the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. The US has already taken steps to implement the resolution.
"The message to Iran's leaders is clear: Meet your responsibilities or face increasing isolation and consequences," said Clinton and Geithner.
The new measures also restrict Iran's ability to use its transportation infrastructure and energy proceeds to support its nuclear and missile programmes.
"The strong restrictions and prohibitions on Iran's ability to access the Canadian and European commercial and banking systems will further protect the international financial system from abuse by Iran," they said.
These measures, combined with the new and existing US sanctions, underscore the international community's deepening concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and refusal to live up to its international responsibilities, the statement said.
"We have already begun to see the impact of these sanctions, as companies around the world refuse to do business with Iran rather than risk becoming involved in Iran's nuclear programme and other illicit activities," it said.
They said the US is committee to a diplomatic approach and pursue its "dual approach" of engagement and pressure.
"We will... await Iran's official reply to the P5+1's outstanding offer of talks," they said.
"We once again urge Iran's leaders to pursue a path of cooperation and responsibility rather than confrontation and further isolation," Clinton and Geithner said.
The European Union and Canada on Monday adopted new sanctions against Iran, targeting the country's foreign trade, banking and energy sectors.
