Bush-Iran must face isolation over nuclear program

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) President George W Bush said today that Iran must face ''economic isolation'' if it proceeds with its nuclear uranium enrichment program in defiance of international pressure.

''It's very important for the world to unite to say to the Iranians if you choose to continue to move forward you will be isolated,'' Bush said, when asked whether he favored sanctions against Tehran.

''One source of isolation would be economic,'' Bush told reporters after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

''There has to be a consequence for their intransigence.'' Bush called Iran ''a threat to world peace'' and repeated his stance that Tehran must abandon its nuclear ambitions. Olmert also expressed Israel's concerns about what it sees as an Iranian threat to its security.

Bush's comments come as some critics are calling for Washington to open dialogue with Iran over how to calm the situation in neighboring Iraq.

REUTERS AB VV2345