Reply #31: U.S. Says Iranian Enrichment Unacceptable

[robertpaulsen]

U.S. Says Iranian Enrichment Unacceptable
Mar 7, 5:31 PM (ET)

By ANNE GEARAN

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration drew a hard line on Iran Tuesday, warning of "meaningful consequences" if the Islamic government does not back away from an international confrontation over its disputed nuclear program.

Edging toward the U.N. Security Council review it has long sought, Washington rejected any potential 11th hour compromise that would allow Iran to process nuclear fuel that could be used for weapons.

Vice President Dick Cheney said the United States and other nations are agreed that "we will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon." He said, "The Iranian regime needs to know that if it stays on its present course, the international community is prepared to impose meaningful consequences."

Speaking to the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, Cheney did not specify what the U.S. would do but said it "is keeping all options on the table." American officials have said the government has no plans for military force but will not rule it out.

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http://apnews1.iwon.com//article/20060307/D8G70JP03.html?PG=home&SEC=news