Slap sanction on Iran: McCain to Obama

Washington, Apr 19: Pressing for immediate action against Iran, a top Republican Senator on Monday, Apr 19 asked Obama administration to slap sanctions against Iran without waiting for United Nations Security Council, particularly China and Russia, to do it.

"I believe that the Chinese and the Russians will not be particularly helpful. So why don't we get our European allies together and let's impose sanctions from that aspect of it? Maybe that would embarrass somehow or force the Russians and Chinese to act in a more cooperative fashion," Senator John McCain told the news channel in an interview.

"Maybe not forget the UN, but certainly go ahead and move forward with some serious, meaningful sanctions," he said.

Asked about the sanctions, he said that one was refined petroleum products.

"The other, I think, is stand up for the human rights of the people of Iran. Put the pictures of those people who were brutalising and killing and torturing the demonstrators and the people who are standing up for their God-given rights. Make them famous. We did that in certain respects during the Cold War," McCain said.

On the use of military option against Iran, McCain said that US requires contingency plans for military action against Iran.

"Obviously, every contingency has to be on the table. It is pretty clear that the Israelis cannot live with a nuclear-armed Iran. We saw news reports that the Syrians have moved Scud missiles into southern Lebanon. That is a serious escalatory move. Now Jerusalem and Tel Aviv are within range of Scud missiles," McCain said.

"So I think that we have to have contingency plans. But I do agree with most experts. Let's try to get the pressure on from all directions, tough, tough sanctions, and stand up for the people that want and obviously are demonstrating in the streets and are being brutalised in the prisons," McCain said.

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