December 05, 2007
Bush: U.N. Security Council On Board With Iran Policy
President Bush sought today to quell skepticism over his administration's Iran policy following a new U.S. intel report [PDF] stating that the regime most likely stopped pursuing nuclear arms four years ago.
Speaking to reporters on a snowy tarmac in Nebraska, Bush said, "On the way out here I spoke with my team, who gave me a report on conversations the secretary of state and national security advisor have had over the last couple of days with their counterparts in the U.K., Germany, France and Russia. These countries understand that the Iranian nuclear issue is a problem, and continues to be a problem, that must be addressed by the international community."
In a press conference yesterday, Bush said that his administration's policy on Iran -- that it must disclose all about its nuclear activities and cease enriching uranium or face consequences as severe as military force -- remains the status quo, despite the National Intelligence Estimate's conclusions. But the intel community's assessment that Iran stopped pursuing nukes out of fear it would meet the fate of neighboring Iraq has led analysts to conclude that Washington no longer has the leverage it requires to get its P5+1 partners in the U.N. to keep pressure on Tehran.
Tellingly, Bush did not mention the Chinese delegation, which yesterday strongly hinted that in their view, the Iranian nuclear crisis was over.
Bush argued in Tuesday's press conference that so long as Iran was engaging in covert nuclear activity, the international community was obligated to ensure the regime did not make the relatively easy leap to weaponizing its fissile material. "It is clear from the latest NIE that the Iranian government has more to explain about its nuclear intentions and past actions," Bush reiterated this morning. "Iran has a strategic choice to make: Come clean with the international community about the scope of their nuclear activities and... suspend their enrichment program and come to the table to negotiate, or continue on the path of isolation. The choice is up to the Iranian regime."
Iran protests that it is pursuing a peaceful nuclear energy capacity, with the aid of Russia and China. While Iran is one of the most oil-rich nations in the world, it lacks the ability to refine its own raw material.
The president is in Nebraska today to attend a campaign fundraiser for former Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, who is running for retiring Sen. Chuck Hagel's (R) seat next year. Bush concluded his impromptu presser with some words about Johanns, who was on hand to greet his old boss.
"There's no doubt in my mind he'll make a great U.S. senator. He's an honorable and decent man," Bush said.
Posted at 11:03 AM
Posted to:
Bush Administration, Iran, Iraq, Middle East, Nuclear Weapons, President Bush, Terrorism
Share via
