The United Nations sanctions adopted by the Security Council on Wednesday send an “unmistakable message” that the international community will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, U.S. President Barack Obama said.
Speaking shortly after the Security Council voted 12-2 to impose some of the toughest sanctions on Iran so far, Mr. Obama faulted the Iran’s leaders for failing to seriously address concerns about the country’s nuclear activities.
“These are the most comprehensive sanctions that the Iranian government has faced,” Mr. Obama said.
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Mr. Obama had set a deadline for Iran to accept his offer of dialogue to take steps toward resolving the issue by the end of 2009, but accused Tehran of not taking the gesture seriously. Earlier this year he announced he would pursue Security Council sanctions.
“This day was not inevitable,” Mr. Obama said. He added that his administration was still open to diplomatic engagement with Tehran.