US/UN Ambassador Susan Rice Says Iran’s Response Should Be Prompt

The five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council met today in Wiesbaden, Germany to discuss Iran’s nuclear program. The clear outcome of the meeting is still unknown–but a major component is whether Iran intends to fully suspend its nuclear enrichment program.  Germany, not a permanent member of the UN Security Council, played host with a spokesperson from the Foreign Ministry adding the purpose of the meeting was to “consult on possible courses of action….on Iran’s unsatisfactory position.”

IAEA chief Mohamed El Baradei said tough sanctions being proposed by the United States, France and Germany should be avoided and that “Iran’s nuclear program is not the greatest threat to the world. In many ways, I think the threat has been hyped.”

Iranians have denied all charges and pledged to use nuclear energy for civilian purposes only. The country’s lack of legitimacy follows a bloody election coup this summer. Some international officials believe Iran’s recent actions may indeed cut off communication with a previously optimistic President Obama.

Iran’s nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili fought back this week claiming, “Iran is prepared to present a revised package of proposals … and is ready to hold talks with world powers”.

Ambassador Susan Rice, who took the reigns as President of the UN Security Council this month suggested “We hope Iran’s response which we have not seen as effective, will be prompt.”

A US lobby group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) began an online petition this week to garner worldwide support for tougher sanctions on Iran. UANI said it will forward the signatories of the petition to President Obama, G-20 countries, and the mayor of Pittsburgh, where the upcoming G-20 summit will be held on Sept 24-25.