UK's Brown wants ban on developing Iran's oil

Times:

Gordon Brown last night proposed a worldwide ban on companies developing Iran’s oil and gas fields if it failed to curb its nuclear ambitions.

He promised to take the lead in seeking tougher penalties through the United Nations and the European Union as Britain and the United States seek to increase the pressure on Tehran.

In his first major speech on foreign policy the Prime Minister said that Iran had a choice — confrontation with the international community and stringent sanctions against it; or dropping its nuclear plans, ending support for terrorism and having a transformed relationship with the world.

Unless imminent reports from the EU and the International Atomic Energy Agency suggested movement from Iran, there would be stronger sanctions, including on oil and gas investment and the financial sector. “Iran should be in no doubt about our seriousness of purpose,” he said.

Although Mr Brown does not rule out military action, and spoke last night about the occasional need for “hard-headed intervention”, he clearly believes that the diplomatic route should be followed. Wearing white tie for the first time at a City event, he set out what he called Britain’s “agenda for a hard-headed internationalism”.

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He is joining Sarkozy in talking tough to Tehran. The Germans have been not so tough lately and the Russians and Chinese have also been unenthusiastic in dealing with the Iranian religious bigots who believe Allah is on their side. I think the chances of a diplomatic solution with Iran are remote and I also think the chances of a military attack are also remote at this time. This appears to be a case where both sides will bluster and bluff and not much will happen for the next few months anyway.