US, Britain step up pressure on Iran

It was reported that one of the main goals of Bush's farewell trip was to win more support against Iran from Europe. As Bush is wrapping up his trip, he won Britain's backing on Monday for tighter sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

Brown warned Iran that the country would confront tougher sanctions if it continued to ignore the offers of partnership and dialogue.

"We will do everything possible to maintain the dialogue, but we are also clear that if Iran continues to ignore United (Nations)resolutions and continues to ignores our offers of partnership, we have no choice but to intensify sanctions," he said.

"So today, Britain will urge Europe and Europe will agree to take further sanctions against Iran," Brown said.

At the news conference, Bush said that he wanted to solve the Iranian issue "diplomatically" but that he was willing to look at other options.

"My first choice is to solve the problem diplomatically but all options are on the table," said Bush.

"We must prevent the Iranians from having the know-how to create nuclear weapons," said Bush.

"The Iraninans must understand that when we come together and speak with one voice, we are serious," said Bush.

Bush said that the world would help Iran to achieve its civilian nuclear energy goals but would not tolerate the continuation of uranium enrichment.

"The Iranians are justified in wanting civilian nuclear power," said Bush, "But we don't trust them when they enrich uranium and say they want to destroy democracies," he added.

"We will help them get civilian nuclear power but they must not enrich uranium," said Bush.

(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2008)