Clinton Warns of Iran Sanctions Over Nuclear Programme

by Rachel Nixon | April 22, 2009 at 09:40 am

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US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has warned Iran that it will face "very tough sanctions" if it does not engage over its nuclear programme.

The US was "laying the groundwork" for such measures if Iran refused dialogue or the process failed, Mrs Clinton told the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

At the same time, the US was more than willing to reach out to Iran, she said.

Iran has been accused of seeking nuclear weapons however Tehran says it nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes.

On Wednesday Iran said it was ready for "constructive dialogue" about its nuclear programme.

"By updating last year's package, the Islamic republic is announcing its readiness for constructive dialogue and interaction," read a statement released on Wednesday.

Hillary Clinton made her comments while giving testimony to Congress - her first appearance since becoming secretary of state in January.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last week that he would present a new package for talks aimed at resolving the stand-off after the six so-called P5+1 nations urged Tehran to engage in fresh negotiations on a diplomatic solution.

He said the package was a new version of proposals offered by Iran in May 2008, which it described as an all-embracing attempt to solve the problems of the world, and suggested setting up a consortium to enrich uranium and manufacturing nuclear fuel, including one in Iran.