10 Jun 2010

New sanctions on Iran agreed by UN Security Council

10:44 pm on 10 June 2010

The United Nations Security Council has voted in favour of a new round of sanctions against Iran over its nuclear programme.

Twelve of the 15 members of the council voted for the resolution. Brazil and Turkey voted against and Lebanon abstained.

The sanctions include tighter financial curbs and an expanded arms embargo, prohibiting Iran from buying heavy weapons such as attack helicopters. There are no economic sanctions and there is no oil embargo.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad earlier warned that his country would not agree to further nuclear talks if the sanctions were imposed.

Western nations fear Iran is secretly trying to build a nuclear bomb, but Tehran insists its programme is aimed solely at peaceful energy use.

The BBC reports the sanctions were passed after being watered down during negotiations with Russia and China on Tuesday.

Iran has rejected the new resolution, calling it a wrong measure.

Mr Ahmadinejad described the resolution as valueless and said it should be thrown into the dustbin like a used handkerchief.

The sanctions are the fourth the Security Council has imposed on Iran since December 2006.

The United States ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, says the council has risen to its responsibilities and Iran should now choose a wiser course.