Iran Denies Oil Threat Interview

2 October 2005 -- The office of Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denies the president gave a press interview in which he allegedly said Iran might hold back oil sales if the country is referred to the UN Security Council over its nuclear program.

The United Arab Emirates' English-language daily "The Khaleej Times" quoted Ahmadinejad yesterday saying that holding back on oil sales was one of "many ways" Iran could respond if Iran's case is sent to the Security Council.

The presidential office said Ahmadinejad had not given such an interview.

The International Atomic Energy Agency last week adopted a resolution that finds Iran in "noncompliance" with international nuclear proliferation safeguards.

The resolution said Iran would be referred to the Security Council at an unspecified future date if it did not alter its nuclear policy.

(Reuters)

See also:

RFE/RL Special: Iran's Nuclear Program