Defiant against UN sanctions

There seems to be nothing that can change the mind of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad over his nuclear energy programme.

Certainly not sanctions, either those already in force or the threats of more to come. But then as the UN Security Council sanctions have had little impact upon Iran, it is not surprising such threats do not have Iranians shaking in their shoes with fear.

They can, and have, managed very well without whatever measures the Security Council decides upon.

Setting aside all the rhetoric and bravado flowing from one side of the Atlantic to the other, there is a genuine fear abroad that Iran will move ahead and produce nuclear weapons once it has acquired the technology.

Some experts claim it is only two or three years away, while others think it more likely to be four to six years; whichever it is, it is too soon to be considered a distant prospect. Iran, after all, has been developing its own nuclear energy resources for over 20 years, during which time it was repeatedly denied.

Its alternative strategy was, and still is, to engage in diplomatic negotiations with the UN and Western countries while claiming they too seek a peaceful resolution to the disagreement.

These have proven fruitless as at the same time research continued, forcing the west to believe Iran was deliberately buying time to complete the project, as is the case in North Korea.

The UN Security Council and Germany will now meet in London on Monday to determine what action will be taken against Iran for non-compliance with resolution 1727 of December 23, 2006, which called upon Iran to suspend all enrichment activities within 60 days.

Iran's reply has been a defiant refusal, yet with the caveat that further talks should take place. But that is unlikely as all previous talks have proven pointless.