EDITORIAL: U.S. Should Press Iran More on Its Nuclear Programs

Mar 31, 05:53 AM

Current Headlines: By The Kansas City Star, Mo.

Mar. 31--Washington portrayed the latest U.N. resolution against Iran as a rebuke to the Islamic Republic. Yet, the measure was only an incremental step in the slow-motion diplomacy against Iran's nuclear program.

Certainly, that step was welcome. But to get the mullahs' attention, why not slap sanctions on refined gasoline -- much of which Iran must import?

As is it, the U.N. simply squeezed harder on the largely financial sanctions approved in December. The latest move calls for a freeze on the assets of 15 individuals and 13 organizations involved with the Revolutionary Guard and Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The measure bans the sale or transfer of Iranian weapons and urges other countries' restraint in shipping weapons to Iran. It calls on other nations to refrain from extending export credits, grants or loans to Iran, except in the case of humanitarian goods.

But the latter provision is voluntary -- and of little import -- and on its other points, the resolution rules out any enforcement through military action. Naturally, Iran's reaction was the usual defiance.

The diplomatic maneuvering has been further complicated, perhaps by design, with Iran's seizure of 15 British sailors and marines from the waters off Iraq. This is a gross provocation, one that aptly displays the regime's recklessness.

One of the most significant recent developments, however, is a dramatic shift in Russia's stance.

Earlier this month, Moscow informed Tehran that the fuel needed for a Russian-built reactor in Iran would not be handed over unless Iran stops its uranium enrichment program, as mandated in U.N. resolutions.

The Russian motives for this sudden burst of cooperative behavior remain murky and may only reflect a payment dispute with Tehran. But it could be a tantalizing sign that the Iranians have overplayed their hand. In any case, Washington should continue pushing for tougher measures against Iran's nuclear programs.

-----

Copyright (c) 2007, The Kansas City Star, Mo.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.