Stand firm on Iran sanctions

Predictably, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the latest U.N. Security Council sanctions as "a used tissue."

In reality, these sanctions are the toughest ever faced by Iran, although not as tough as the Obama administration had envisioned. This time, though, China and Russia voted for the Security Council resolution, which adds unprecedented heft to the sanctions. Previously, they had been reticent to level penalties against Iran over its suspect nuclear program. This time they acquiesced after assurances that the sanctions would not hamper their ability to trade with Iran.

The sanctions include new controls on Iranian banks intended to block the use of the international financial system to fund and facilitate nuclear proliferation. It also prohibits Iran from buying certain heavy weapons such as attack helicopters and ballistic missiles.

The new restrictions include travel bans and asset freezes on 40 entities and one individual, Javad Rahiqi, head of Iran's atomic energy organization. The resolution also calls for a new U.N. panel of experts to help monitor and enforce sanctions.

The new sanctions also include cargo inspections, which could be challenging given Iran's attempts to make it difficult to identify its state-owned vessels. Iran's state-owned ships have changed their names, the flags under which they operate and their registered owners or registered operators at a staggering rate since 2008, after the United States handed down financial sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and 18 of its affiliates.

The new U.N. sanctions do not include restrictions on gas imports to Iran, a proposal the United States had advanced but was opposed by China and Russia. While the purchase of heavy armament was banned, Iran may still purchase light arms and conclude the purchase of five surface-to-air missiles from Russia.

The negotiated resolution fell short of the "crippling sanctions" Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had pledged to impose on Iran one year ago but some sources say the United States and the European Union may each impose additional unilateral measures in coming months. As Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., put it, "In the coming days, pressure on Iran will only grow."

Even though Ahmadinejad says Iran does "not recognize sanctions," the passage of the Security Council resolution is highly significant. With few exceptions, the international community has run out of patience with Iran's pursuit of its nuclear ambitions.

These sanctions should be viewed as part of a larger strategy for dealing with Iran. As much as responsible nations welcomed the passage of the sanctions resolution, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice said the United States and its allies have not closed the door on constructive negotiations with Iran. The ball, once again, is in Iran's court.