Obama: World is United Over Iran Threat

By: Brian Montopoli
Topics: Iran

(CBS)

President Obama said at a press conference at the G-20 summit Friday afternoon that the world has responded to the nuclear threat posed by Iran with an "unprecedented show of unity" and that a confrontational response from the nation will result in its further isolation.

He said countries around the world share "grave doubts" about Iran's presentation of its nuclear intentions.

The president said such solidarity on the part of a wide range of nations is "not typical" and speaks to the situation that Iran now finds itself in.

"Anybody who's been following responses to Iran would have been doubtful just a few months ago that that kind of rapid response was possible," he said, noting that China and Russia have called for an investigation.

On Friday morning, Mr. Obama and the leaders of Britain and France held a press conference to discuss the existence of a previously-unknown secret Iranian nuclear facility and call for it to be opened.

He said Iran "is breaking rules that all nations must follow, endangering the world non-nuclear proliferation regime ... and the security of the world."

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad responded that his country had complied with United Nations rules and said the president's charges were a "mistake."

"I'm sure they'll definitely feel sorry about it. I think they probably already regret it and will be regretting it more down the road," he said."

The president said at his press conference Friday that Iran is "on notice" and that "they are going to have to come clean and they are going to have to make a choice" at meetings with the United States on October 1st.

"Are they willing to go down the path which I think ultimately will lead to greater prosperity and security for Iran, giving up the acquisition of nuclear weapons, and deciding that they are willing to abide by international rules and standards in their pursuit of peaceful nuclear energy," he said, "or will they continue down a path that is going to lead to confrontation?"

Asked about a military response to Iran's nuclear program, the president said he doesn't rule anything out. But he said "my preferred course of action is to resolve this in a diplomatic fashion."

In what appeared to be a reference to Russia, the president noted that some nations have indicated that they are now open to tougher sanctions against Iran, something they were "reluctant to even discuss" months ago. He said nations around the world recognize that Iran's behavior is "an important enough issue to peace and stability in the world" and that they must act together.

"Iran would make a mistake in ignoring the call for them to respond in a forthright and clear manor," the president said, adding that the country's actions over the next several months will determine if they are further isolated from the world or can "rejoin the international community."

Responding to a question from CBS News' Chip Reid, the president declined to offer details about possible sanctions. But he said that Iran's "actions contradict its words" and said the united front presented by the world means the country will have to "pay attention."

"The international community, I think, has spoken," he said. "It is now up to Iran to respond."

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Brian Montopoli
Brian Montopoli is the senior political reporter at CBSNews.com.
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by 6591Hou September 27, 2009 9:28 AM EDT: If Iran has an opposition movement, now is the time for them to be heard from.
Let's not forget our friend from Libya who suggested that the UN should move from the US because the US could be targeted again and hundreds of world leaders could die.... I believe he said by rocket.; Reply to this comment


by hamiltoningrate September 27, 2009 2:21 AM EDT: IT is time to act. Please protect the world against these crazy hateful Islamic terrorist state, before it is too late. It is not in our best interest to have nuclear weapons in the hands of people who opening are nuts and support terrorists, who would do awful things with such bombs.

President Obama.....Please protect us.; Reply to this comment


by obeycobain September 26, 2009 10:37 PM EDT: "I'm sure they'll definitely feel sorry about it. I think they probably already regret it and will be regretting it more down the road," he said."

this is not just a rhetorical observation. Can you hear that thinly veiled threat? in the style of any mobster in chief. the leader of Iran is threatening to bomb us, as now he has the means and is making sure we know he is capable of it.; Reply to this comment


by Liberal_Hysteria September 26, 2009 6:35 PM EDT: "Obama: World is United Over Iran Threat"

First he said "The World is watching"

Now he says "world is united over Iran threat"

When our chicken-in-chief is gonna stop talking and do something?; Reply to this comment


by chekitout September 26, 2009 4:20 PM EDT: Old B.O left the midwest and stepped up with the big DOGS, remember all those pansy assed hope change speeches, all those liberal vote getting speeches? about stopping the war, closing GITMO, blah, blah blah,... GITMO will stay around,another 30-40 thousnd troops will be added to OSAMAS back yard, and next to nothing will be done in reguard to his b.s speeches, oh and his hair will turn grey,...sooo hows that hope and change working for you?; Reply to this comment


by akinos2009 September 26, 2009 9:26 AM EDT: The "United World" Obama speaks about consists of U.S., Britain, France some European countries, and Canada. The area of the globe sometimes referred to as Atlantia. It is also an area that will go along with just about most things U.S. wants to. They still allow, willingly or coerced, numerous U.S. military bases in England,Germany, Italy,Spain, Belgium, Germany having the most with 27. All this 19 years after the end of the cold war. As for the rest of the world, Russia, China, Africa, South America and the Muslim countries, they are of a different mind. So Obama is just making a progressive statement, like a lawyer in a court room, with you and I and the world public the jury.; Reply to this comment


by noloyalisti September 25, 2009 8:55 PM EDT: Pakistan, India, Israel and the US are the only countries to not sign the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. And people are supposed to listen to us preach? Ridiculous.; Reply to this comment

by noloyalisti September 25, 2009 8:53 PM EDT

Well, the United States and Israel both have nuclear weapons and their countries are run by militant religious extremists.

Also, the United States is the only country ever to actually use nuclear weapons on people. The US is the most prolific purveyor of state-sponsored terror in the world, running or funding the bombing of four countries as we speak.

Should not the entire world consider sanctions on the US and Israel instead of Iran?

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by sjc_1 September 26, 2009 11:51 PM EDT: Iran does not need nuclear missiles. A bomb in a packing crate aboard a freight ship sailing into New York harbor would do a LOT of damage. Iran can NOT be allowed to get anywhere near a nuclear device...period. These are the fanatics that took our Embassy people hostage 30 years ago, they are nut cases in the extreme.

by factsearcher September 25, 2009 7:08 PM EDT

If you saw the interview on TV, you would also realized that the nuclear plant findings had been known since January 2009. However, Obama has waited until all the intelligence was confirmed, proved and concrete before presenting it to the G20 (genious idea) and the world.
BIg difference from the Bush administration!!!
Steps are being taken in accordance with intelligence, international law and recognition, and approval.
Not all, but this has been done right...You gotta give it to him...
When it comes to the bailouts...Im still not convinced... but he has 3 more years to prove it to me.

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by woltommel September 25, 2009 8:32 PM EDT: Huh?

Not all, but this has been done right...You gotta give it to him...
When it comes to the bailouts...Im still not convinced... but he has 3 more years to prove it to me


by akinos2009 September 26, 2009 9:35 AM EDT: No, he waited until the U.N.Opening as well as the G-20 meeting concurrently, to make the statement. Also the capture of the so called bomb terrorist in Denver was announced at the same time. All orchestrated to have the maximum impact on the public as they set absorbing whats being fed into them. One step at a time.

by sjc_1 September 25, 2009 6:33 PM EDT

This is serious stuff. Bush branded them part of the "axis of evil", blustered and threatened and declared "you are either with us or against us", which is not a very uniting expression.

This time around Obama has mended fences and has the U.K. and France at the front. China and Russia are staying out of it for the most part. Iran will either cooperate and meet their agreements or risk severe sanctions.

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by OLEANDER_ September 25, 2009 7:21 PM EDT: sjc_1, Russia is in no way staying out of it. Do some research on who Iran is getting its supplies to build these facilities. It's RUSSIA.


by sjc_1 September 25, 2009 10:53 PM EDT: Well, if you have any pertinent information to support your assertions, feel free to post those links. If you have no facts then your opinion is just that..an unsubstantiated opinion. Don't expect others to go looking for proof that you are right... I really don't care.