Iran warns UN of potential oil crisis

Iran warned the US and the UK Aug. 6 that the international community could face a new oil crisis if the United Nations security council imposes sanctions on Tehran for its apparent attempt to acquire a nuclear weapons-making capability.

Aug. 7, 2006

2 min read

Eric Watkins
Senior Correspondent

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 7 -- Iran warned the US and the UK Aug. 6 that the international community could face a new oil crisis if the United Nations security council imposes sanctions on Tehran for its apparent attempt to acquire a nuclear weapons-making capability.

The warning was issued by Ali Larijani, the country's chief nuclear negotiator and head of the Supreme National Security Council. Larijani said that if the West did decide on sanctions, "We will react in a way that would be painful for them. . .. Do not force us to do something that will make people shiver in the cold."

Larijani said, "We do not want to use the oil weapon. It is them who would impose it upon us."

The UNSC last week passed a resolution by a vote of 14-1 imposing a deadline of Aug. 31 for Iran to accept a package of incentives in return for suspending uranium enrichment at its Natanz facility, or face the prospect of political, economic, and financial sanctions.

"The resolution that was released lacks any legal basis and effectively makes this international centre insubstantial. Therefore, we reject it and we will not accept suspension [of uranium enrichment]," Larijani said.

Contact Eric Watkins at [email protected].