U.S. Is Seeking a Range of Sanctions against Iran

U.S. Is Seeking a Range of Sanctions against Iran

by Mark Landler,
Headline from The New York Times

The Obama administration tries to build a broader coalition of countries for harsher sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program. America is expected to press their demand for quick access and blueprints to the newly disclosed secret uranium enrichment plant near the holy city of Qum.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, speaking on CNN's ''State of the Union'' said: ''There are a variety of options still available, a potential list of targets for Iranian sanctions notably in energy equipment and technology'' which he called ''a pretty rich list to pick from.''
The administration seeks to fulfill two goals: pushing Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program and winning Russia and china's support, which seem to be eager about preserving their economic ties to Iran.

The European allies, one official said, view this as a ''blunt instrument'' that could hurt ordinary Iranians and unite country behind the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Mr.Mahmoud Ahmadinejad told his guests at a dinner in New York last week, that he would ''warm welcome'' the additional sanctions because it would only make his country more self-sufficient.

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979 Iran has been acting resilient to sanctions. Even Iran's missile testing on Sunday was interpreted by administration officials as a message that the new set of sanctions, whatsoever, won't work.

These new sanctions will only add to ordinary citizens' misery. This could expose itself in fuel prices, inflation and its following protests of discontent which eventually might end in people getting hurt or even killed, having the last months in mind since June 12.