Iran 'Ready' For Sanctions
Iran says it is braced for sanctions over its nuclear program after the UN Security Council demanded it end uranium enrichment.
Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said: "We have readied ourselves to deal with different conditions."
The call from the Security Council represents the first direct appeal to Tehran to clear up suspicions that it is seeking nuclear weapons.
It could eventually impose economic sanctions, though Russia and China say they oppose such tough measures.
Iran remains defiant, maintaining its right to nuclear power but insisting that it has no intention of seeking weapons of mass destruction.
"Iran's commitment to the non-proliferation regimem is categorical," the country's UN Ambassador Javad Zarif said.
"We have always made it a very clear proposition that Iran is committed to its obligations not only because they are obligations under the treaty but in fact because they are based in our historical as well as our religious edicts."
The 15-nation council unanimously approved a statement that will ask the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, to report back in 30 days on Iran's compliance with demands to stop enriching uranium.
Diplomats portrayed the statement, which is not legally binding, as a first, modest step toward compelling Iran to make clear that its program is for peaceful purposes.
Sky
