Gates optimistic on Iran sanctions

In the wake of a fresh set of UN Security Council (UNSC) sanctions against Iran, the US secretary of defense claims the sanctions have a “real potential” to pressurize Iran.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said “targeted economic pressures” has “real potential” to force the Islamic Republic to halt its nuclear enrichment program.

Gates said there is “a reasonable chance” that Iranian government officials would “finally come to their senses and realize their security is probably more endangered by going forward than by stopping.”

The remarks come days after the majority of the 15-member UNSC voted on June 9 for the adoption of a fourth set of sanctions against Iran, under the allegation that Tehran’s nuclear program is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

Authorities in Tehran have repeatedly rejected the Western claim, arguing that as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the right to a peaceful nuclear program for civilian electricity generation and medical research.

Iran has also warned about the adverse effects of exerting pressure on the Islamic Republic, saying sanctions would only strengthen the Iranian nation’s resolve regarding the nuclear issue.

Meanwhile, the top US defense official went on to reject the policy of “containing a nuclear Iran,” explaining that US efforts were aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

“I don’t think we’re prepared to even talk about containing a nuclear Iran. I think… our view still is we do not accept the idea of Iran having nuclear weapons,” Gates said.

“And our policies and our efforts are all aimed at preventing that from happening,” he added.

Gates went on to reiterate the US stance regarding a confrontation with Iran, saying that all options including a military strike still remained on the table.

The warnings come as Iran has rejected the new UNSC sanction resolutions against its nuclear program, arguing that the International Atomic Energy Agency has in numerous reports asserted that its inspectors and surveillance equipment have found no evidence of diversion in Iran’s declared nuclear material.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has criticized the resolution for lacking legal value, calling it “a worthless piece of paper.”