Iran warns it will stop considering an international nuclear incentives package if the U.N. Security Council passes a resolution against Tehran's nuclear program.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi told reporters in Tehran Sunday the package will no longer be on Iran's agenda if the resolution is approved.
The proposed U.N. resolution demands that Iran cease uranium enrichment by August 31st or face the possibility of sanctions. A vote is expected this week.
The Security Council proposal was negotiated after Tehran failed to respond to Western incentives in exchange for suspension of its uranium-enrichment activities. Tehran has said it will not respond to the incentive package until August 22nd, nine days before the U.N. deadline.
The proposal calls for the 15-member Council to consider adopting appropriate measures under Article 41 of the U.N. charter, which allows for economic sanctions but does not authorize the use of force.
The United States and its Western allies believe Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and Reuters.
