U.S. Applauds Japanese Sanctions on Iran

The United States applauded Iran's decision to impose sanctions on Iran, noting that the decision "will deepen Iran's isolation from the international financial, industrial, and energy sectors and protect Japanese banks and businesses from Iran's ongoing efforts to conduct illicit activities." A joint statement issued on September 3 by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner indicated that Japan now "joins other responsible nations that have also implemented such sanctions on Iran for its failure to meet its international obligations, including the European Union, Australia, Canada, and Norway." The statement also asserts underscores the international resolve to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability.

Mullen: Iran's Nuclear Effort 'Unacceptable'

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Michael Mullen on August 26 called Iran's efforts to achieve a nuclear weapons capability "unacceptable and incredibly destabilizing," according to a Defense Department news report. Speaking before business leaders and students in Michigan as part of his "Conversations with the Country" tour, Admiral Mullen said that the United States is "working hard" to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapons capability because that "will be very bad for all of us." Mullen also stated that Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons "does not bode well for any body in the world."

U.S.: Iran's New Weapons Source of Concern

The United States said Iran's recent unveiling of a new aerial drone and assault boats is a source of concern, Agence France Presse reported. "This is... something that is of concern to us and... concern to Iran's neighbors," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters on August 23. He added that the United States "take[s] into account... systems that can potentially... threaten particular countries or peace and stability in the region." The new weapons pose a threat to the United States, Israel and other countries in the region, and highlight Iran's ongoing efforts to become a major military power in the Middle East.

U.S.: Iran Fomenting Extremism in Iraq

The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq said Iran is sponsoring extremist groups in Iraq because it fears having a strong democracy as its neighbor, Agence France Presse reported. "I think they don't want to see Iraq turn into a strong democratic country," General Ray Odierno told CNN on August 22. "They would rather see it become a weak governmental institution so they don't add more problems for Iran in the future." He also noted that Iran wants to "make sure that everybody understands that they can have some impact in the country." Iran has long sponsored extremist groups throughout the region - including Hamas and Hizballah.