U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2008)

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Policy Toward Iran

William J. Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Opening Statement before the House Foreign Affairs Committee
Washington, DC
July 9, 2008

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In this respect, renewed willingness by EU states to tighten pressure on Iran is especially welcome. Two weeks ago, the EU adopted new sanctions against 38 individuals and entities, including imposing an assets freeze on Iran's largest bank, Bank Melli. Last week, the EU began formal consideration of additional measures. We are consulting quietly with other major players, such as Japan and Australia, about what more they can do. Our partners in the "P5+1" -- Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China -- remain committed to a two-track approach, and that will mean consideration of new steps beyond resolution 1803 if Iran refuses our recent incentives package and ducks its UNSC and IAEA obligations.

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