US announces new sanctions against Iran

Rice said the moves were in response to 8220;a comprehensive policy to confront the threatening behavior of the Iranians8221; although she also said that Washington remains open to 8220;a diplomatic solution.8221;But Rice quickly added: 8220;Unfortunately the Iranian government continues to spurn our offer of open negotiations, instead threatening peace and security by pursuing nuclear technologies that can lead to a nuclear weapon, building dangerous ballistic missiles, supporting Shia militants in Iraq and terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and the Palestinian territories, and denying the existence of a fellow member of the United Nations, threatening to wipe Israeli off the map.8221;