Sept 28, 2011
France’s UN envoy warned that Iran faces the risk of a military strike if it pursues its nuclear drive because certain countries would not accept it having an atomic weapon.
In surprisingly frank comments at a New York panel discussion, Ambassador Gerard Araud on Tuesday followed up on President Nicolas Sarkozy’s statement that there could be a "preventive strike" against the Islamic republic.
Asked what would happen if Iran reaches the threshold of a nuclear weapon, Araud said: "Personally I am convinced that some countries won’t accept this prospect."
The envoy said the danger of conflict was why France, Britain, Germany, the United States, Russia and China were trying to negotiate with Tehran.
"If we don’t succeed today to reach a negotiation with the Iranians, there is a strong risk of military action," according to Araud, who did not say who would be likely to carry out such action.
"It would be a very complicated operation. It would have disastrous consequences in the region," said the ambassador, who has negotiated with Iran in the past.
American Report 