In a resolution passed unanimously, the UN bans the supply of nuclear materials to Iran and freeze some assets overseas.Iran says it will immediately resume uranium enrichment activities
New York (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The Security Council yesterday decided for the first ever UN sanctions on Iran, targeting its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes in response to its refusal to halt sensitive nuclear fuel work. Iran immediately rejected the resolution, produced after two months of tough negotiation in the international community.
The resolution - adopted unanimously - orders all countries to stop supplying Iran with materials and technology that could contribute to its nuclear and missile programs. It also freezes Iranian assets of 10 key companies and 12 individuals related to those programs.
If Iran refuses to comply, the council warned it would adopt further nonmilitary sanctions, but the resolution emphasized the importance of diplomacy in seeking guarantees "that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes."
The text of the resolution was amended several times, notably to overcome Russian and Chinese objections. Moscow and Beijing have close economic and energy ties with Tehran, and up to now they had been contrary to heavy sanctions, preferring the diplomatic way.
The Iranian government immediately rejected the resolution, vowing in a statement from Tehran to continue enriching uranium, a technology that can be used to produce nuclear fuel for civilian purposes or for a nuclear bomb. The government said it "has not delegated its destiny to the invalid decisions of the U.N. Security Council."
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