Iran Calls U.S. Sanctions "Childish"

By: Tucker Reals
Topics: World Watch

(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)

Iran has dismissed President Obama's decision to renew economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic as "childish," and a "grave blunder".

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave his reaction Friday at a ceremony to inaugurate work on the next phases in the development of a massive natural gas field in the country's south, reports CBS News' Leily Lankarani.

The president said the U.S., "thought that with childish and ugly behavior they could stop a great nation and its capable experts from moving towards accomplishment."

On Thursday, Mr. Obama officially renewed economic sanctions against Iran which were enacted by then-President Bill Clinton in the 1990s.

Ahmadinejad's defiance came, symbolically, as he inaugurated phases nine and 10 of the South Pars gas development in Asaluyeh, southern Iran.

He claimed it was actually the West's strict sanctions against his country which have motivated Iran to develop its energy technology — including nuclear energy advances. America and its allies suspect Iran is trying to develop a nuclear weapon, though Tehran insists they just want to generate electricity.

Ahmadinejad dubbed the launch of phases nine and 10 at South Pars as a "National Feast of Self-confidence, Innovation and Flourishment," reports Lankarani.

He promised Iranians that their pride should be great as, "the huge task was done under conditions when certain people around the world refused to carry out their duties and promises, showing bad-temperedness and misbehavior."

That comment was an undisguised jab at the French.

Iran dumped French gas company Total earlier this week as its partner in work on phase 11 of the South Pars project, accusing the energy giant of dragging its heels on the contract due to pressure from Washington (via the French government).

Seifollah Jashnsaz, chief of the National Iranian Oil Company, said Wednesday that Total "has procrastinated in commissioning this national project," according to Iran's official IRNA news agency.

"On the basis of coordination with Total officials, another partner will join Phase 11 of the South Pars gas field and Total's leadership share will be transferred," IRNA quoted Jashnsaz as saying.

But the Iranians have not yet said who will take Total's place in getting the South Pars project wrapped up. It's scheduled to go online in 2014.

The Associated Press reports that companies in both China and Russia have been seeking to further their investment in Iranian natural gas production (Iran has the 2nd larges gas reserves in the world, behind Russia), but neither of those countries have the technological prowess to completely fill Total's role on the complicated project.

In addition to the technical issues, both China and Russia will be under intense pressure from the Obama administration to tighten the squeeze on Iran.

Ahmadinejad, ever the optimist, said Friday: "Of course, we believe the Iranian nation can tread the path of progress under God's mercy."

Tucker Reals
Tucker Reals is a senior news editor and overnight site editor for CBSNews.com, based at CBS News' London bureau.

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by WereNotGonnaTakeIT March 16, 2009 12:05 AM EDT: You're nothing but a bunch of cry babies.
Posted by PhilistineTheArtLover

You're right, that's exacly what you Muslims are, and no, you're no fooling everyone either with your "victim role" propaganda either.; Reply to this comment


by WereNotGonnaTakeIT March 16, 2009 12:04 AM EDT: Ahmagonnajihad, no worries. You have the backing of American atheist liberals.

No fear, the Dark Lord of the Sith Obama is here for you.; Reply to this comment


by toolmangler-2009 March 14, 2009 10:35 PM EDT: that one got by everybody, LOL; Reply to this comment


by toolmangler-2009 March 14, 2009 4:09 PM EDT: Ahmadamnutjob, is calling 'US' childish? what a mindless jerk.!!; Reply to this comment


by toolmangler-2009 March 14, 2009 4:02 PM EDT: If you act childish, expect to be treated as one. Making Nukes these days is very childish, who can you use them on without being turned into a glassy wasteland yourself? Nobody...; Reply to this comment


by cbsantispin March 14, 2009 12:23 PM EDT: Iran Calls U.S. Sanctions "Childish"

It's always best to listen to authorities and experts on a subject!
LOL; Reply to this comment


by factsearcher March 13, 2009 7:45 PM EDT: Reading between the lines is very important....
Ahjmajenacrazyguy has never joked around and bit around the "bush" (lol) ....only when he lies...
You have to realize that he was one of the masterminds of the iranian hostage back in the 70's...PLEASE don't you ever forget that...there are photos of this crazy guy with the hostages to prove it.
Khoemeini has already publicly announced (he's the only one with the balls to tell the truth) their nuclear energy is nothing more than a nuclear bomb...look it up right here on cbs.
SOOO, if by any stretch of your imagination you do not think that this lunatic's motives are dangerous towards the west....keep daydreaming until you hear the noise, smell the bomb and are lucky to see the cadavers.; Reply to this comment


by sjc_1 March 13, 2009 1:53 PM EDT: Since Iran has few oil refineries, lots of natural gas and cars, they are converting cars to run on natural gas. They have cleaner air and can sell more oil to others at high prices. This may be one of the more positive aspects of embargoes for Iran.; Reply to this comment


by mjlewis6 March 13, 2009 1:11 PM EDT: I will point out the obvious that had Iran's embassy in Washington been taken over by a bunch of militant American College Students demanding Iran keep its influence and power controlling agents from directing our government.....and taken all of the staff and embassy personnel hostage for 444 days....I am sure Amadinejad would be launching missiles to wipe out the infidels.

We have not had any apology or reparations for their actions in the 70's.....and you can be sure the US does not trust Iran, either.; Reply to this comment


by mrjoshcan March 13, 2009 9:30 AM EDT: Iran Calls U.S. Sanctions "Childish", though ever the optimist proceeding pessimist, said Friday; "Chucky calls it Friday the 13th!"; Reply to this comment