REMARKS BY R. NICOLAS BURNS,
UNDERSECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

July 12, 2006

UNDER SECRETARY BURNS: We are very pleased by today's strong action by the P-5, the permanent five countries of the Security Council, and Germany. This is a significant decision that, frankly, reflects the disappointment and frustration of our countries over the lack of a serious response by the Iranian Government.

Iran failed to meet the essential condition that we said had to be met: suspension of all of its enrichment-related and reprocessing activities. Thus, Iran has given us no choice but to move back to the Security Council, where we intend to make their suspension mandatory; and should Iran refuse to comply then of course all of our countries agreed today we would work towards a sanctions resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter.

The offer we made in Vienna is still on the table. It's up to Iran to decide what path to take: negotiation or action by the Security Council.