Khamenei Warns US Against Attacking Iran

Voice of America:

26 April 2006

Iran's supreme leader has warned that American interests around the world will be harmed if the United States launches an attack on the Islamic Republic.

Iran's state television quoted Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as saying the Americans should know that if they invade Iran, their interests in every possible corner of the world will be harmed.

Tuesday, the Ayatollah said Iran is prepared to share nuclear technology with other countries.

Earlier, Iran's top nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, warned that Tehran would stop cooperating with the U.N. nuclear agency if the Security Council imposes sanctions against Iran.

The remarks come ahead of Friday's deadline the United Nations Security Council has set for Iran to stop enriching uranium. Iranian leaders have vowed to proceed with uranium enrichment despite the Council's demand.

In Washington, the White House accused Iran of seeking to escalate the standoff over its nuclear program. Spokesman Scott McClellan also said it is time for the Security Council to consider what action needs to be taken for Tehran's "continued defiance."

The U.S. ambassador to the U.N., John Bolton, says the Council plans to consider a resolution to legally require Iran to comply with international nuclear demands. But permanent Council members China and Russia have opposed such a measure.

The United States and the European Union allege Iran is seeking to develop an atomic bomb - a charge Tehran denies.

In other news, Russia launched an Israeli reconnaissance satellite into orbit. News reports from Israel say the satellite is designed to improve the country's surveillance of Iran's nuclear program.