US will not negotiate while Iran attacks civilian targets, says ambassador
The United States prefers a diplomatic solution to the conflict with Iran, but at the same time, "stands ready to hold Iran accountable for its acts that challenge international peace and security," said Tammy Bruce, deputy US representative to the United Nations, this Friday (10)
"We hope that Iran will choose to return to fulfilling its obligations and seriously engage in negotiations to reach a definitive agreement," Bruce told a United Nations Security Council meeting. "While dialogue is still possible, we cannot negotiate while Iran fails to comply with basic obligations - simple obligations like not firing at civilian targets."
The US has carried out strikes against Iran several times this week, after Tehran attacked several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said the country agreed to continue negotiations with Iran, but that Washington informed Tehran that the ceasefire established in a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries has come to an end.
Bruce said that over the past week, Iran "has taken steps that defy the substance and spirit of the understanding established between our two countries." She called on the United Nations to "remain fully engaged" on the issue of Iran's nuclear program and reiterated that Tehran "has violated international law and the resolutions of this council."
"President Trump prefers peace, and we call on other Council members to join us in defending the Council's instruments," Bruce said.
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Other allies also expressed support; the representative of France, Jérôme Bonnafont, classified Iran's recent attacks in the Middle East as "unacceptable."
"We will continue to work with all our partners to contribute to efforts to achieve a lasting diplomatic solution that ensures that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon," he said.
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Source: CNN