Israel presses for tougher sanctions against Iran

Israel Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu called for harsher sanctions against Iran. In a press meeting along with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, Netanyahu insisted that time was running out and if world powers unite against Iran, real economic pressure could be exerted on the regime. He added that even if the UN cannot resolve on tougher sanctions because of Russian and Chinese resistance, volunteer states could take decisive action.

Merkel stated that Germany was ready to take tougher measures including energy sanctions if Iran refuses to comply with its international duties.

On Wednesday, French President Nicholas Sarkozy also warned Iran that France would agree to a significant increase in sanctions if Iran does not commit to negotiations on its nuclear activities. In his annual speech to senior diplomats in Paris he asked “These are the same leaders in Iran that tell us the nuclear program is peaceful and that the elections were honest. Frankly, who believes them?”

Israel and the West claim Iran’s nuclear activities are aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Iran rejects these claims and insists that all its nuclear installations are for peaceful purposes.