Thaindian News

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) –White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs on Monday expressed concern regarding Iran and the country’s transfer of low enriched uranium off of its soil.

Gibbs mentioned that Iran has repeatedly failed to “live up to its own commitments, and the need to address fundamental issues related to Iran’s nuclear program, the United States and international community continue to have serious concerns.”

Iran announced Monday that it would continue its 20% enrichment of low-enriched uranium despite having previously agreed last October that it would be transferring the resource off of its soil. With its announcement, Iran would be directly violating the UN Security Council resolutions, which the Iranian government originally justified by pointing to the need for fuel for the Tehran Research Reactor.

Gibbs acknowledged the efforts made by Turkey and Brazil, but he stated that the proposal announced in Tehran must be reviewed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) before it can be considered by the international community.

“The United States will continue to work with our international partners, and through the United Nations Security Council, to make it clear to the Iranian government that it must demonstrate through deeds – and not simply words – its willingness to live up to international obligations or face consequences, including sanctions,” said Gibbs.

“Iran must take the steps necessary to assure the international community that its nuclear program is intended exclusively for peaceful purposes, including by complying with U.N. Security Council resolutions and cooperating fully with the IAEA. We remain committed to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear program, as part of the P5+1 dual track approach, and will be consulting closely with our partners on these developments going forward,” he concluded.