“The Security Council’s vote today to adopt a third round of sanctions against the Iranian regime sends an important and unambiguous message to Tehran that it must suspend its illegal nuclear activities, or it will be treated as an outlaw regime by the international community.  The adoption of these sanctions should also put to rest any doubts created by the release last December of the National Intelligence Estimate about the resolve of the United States and its allies to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. 

“Although the adoption of these sanctions is an important step forward, additional measures are necessary.  In particular, I hope that the nations of the European Union will follow the lead of the Security Council and impose their own set of targeted sanctions against Iran, above and beyond those authorized today by the UN.  Other responsible stakeholders in the international system should do the same, including our allies in East Asia and the Middle East. 

“Some nations have unfortunately exploited the sanctions regime to expand business ties to Iran and reap profits, at the expense of the rest of the world.  For example, it is outrageous when Germany makes the principled decision to curtail its exports to Iran, only to watch as the People’s Republic of China takes advantage of that decision for its own commercial advantage.  This must end. 

“The power to prevent war with Iran lies disproportionately with those nations that have the greatest economic leverage over Iran.  They have a responsibility to use it -- and quickly.”