At Camp David, Obama Calls Iranian Nuclear Program a ‘Grave Concern’ for U.S., Allies
President Obama on Saturday declared Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions a “grave concern” for world leaders, as the United States and its allies signaled they were prepared to follow through with tough new economic sanctions next month.
Meeting at the Group of Eight summit at Camp David, Obama said he remained hopeful ahead of high-stakes talks between U.S. and Iranian negotiators next week in Baghdad. But he and the other leaders of eight of the world’s richest economies vowed not to back off their collective pressure on the Persian Gulf nation, even though they acknowledged that it could create “substantial risk” to global oil markets.
In a joint statement, the leaders said they were prepared, if necessary, to call on the International Energy Agency, which coordinates release of the world’s oil reserves.
Iran’s “continuing violation of international rules and norms and inability thus far to convince the world community that it is not pursuing the weaponization of nuclear power is of grave concern to all of us,” Obama said, flanked by British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande during a morning gathering at a cabin at the presidential retreat. “We’re hopeful we can resolve this issue in a peaceful fashion with respect to Iran that recognizes their sovereignty but also recognizes their responsibilities.”
