The UN Security Council today imposed its toughest sanctions yet on Iran in what could be its last chance to prevent a defiant Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.

Both China and Russia joined the 12-vote majority in favour of the sanctions in the 15-nation council, but Lebanon abstained and Brazil and Turkey voted against.

The resolution will be the fourth round of UN sanctions since 2006 aimed at curbing Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons ambitions – and it is not clear that the big powers will have time to negotiate another round before Iran achieves “breakout” potential to build a nuclear bomb.

Analysts voiced doubt that the tightened sanctions would dissuade Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon that would upend the strategic calculus in the Middle East.

“Iran has been very successful at getting round sanctions to date and continues to find ways to move equipment and other supplies. They use false fronts and change ship names. They understand the legal limits of sanctions and are able to play around with them,” said Dr Theodore Karasik, research director at the Institute for Near East & Gulf Military Analysis in Dubai.

“Whatever happens, Iran will continue its nuclear weapons programme. Everyone in this part of the world understands that.”

The new UN sanctions will prohibit the sale of heavy weapons such as tanks, warplanes, attack helicopters and warships to Iran and allow inspection of planes and ships suspected of carrying banned cargoes.

The resolution will also freeze the assets of 41 more Iranian firms, including 15 controlled by the increasingly powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

Cohomology:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/09/AR2010060903742.html
Administration officials insist the U.N. vote represents just the first stage of a widening web of sanctions that will be imposed by the European Union and others. But unless China seriously joins the effort, that could mean that the United States and its allies are just opening up Iran to extensive Chinese investment.

Moreover, the sanctions are simply intended to bring Iran back to the bargaining table. Iran for years has shrugged off all pressure to negotiate on its nuclear program. The "no" votes cast by Turkey and Brazil might embolden Tehran to keep standing firm.

These sanctions will achieve nothing!

1. Iran WILL continue developing her nuclear weapons capabilities.

2. China, Russia, Brazil and Turkey WILL continue to do business with Iran.

America is just wasting the world's time on Iran instead of focusing on evil Israel and their secret agenda of dragging the world into WW III.

Thank God for the courage of the following countries for standing up against foolish US tactics:
1. Brazil - voted NO
2. Turkey - voted NO
3. Lebanon - abstained.

frosbel:

Tell me when is your grey matter ever operational ?

Cohomology:

Iti boribo, did the Bush sanctions achieve the aim of preventing Iran from developing her nuclear arsenal? Mumu!