Allies must do more on Iran: top US lawmaker

The United States must make it clear to its allies around the world that they have to help deepen Iran's isolation in order to keep good relations with Washington, a top lawmaker said Thursday.

"What we have to do as a country is be very frank with our allies around the world, to say that a relationship with us means putting your foot down in terms of the development of a nuclear weapon in Iran," said Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Pelosi told reporters she had been briefed on the alleged Iranian-backed plot to kill the Saudi envoy to the United States and called it "just another indication" that the Islamic republic poses "a global threat."

The Democratic leader said Iran's suspect nuclear program, which the West charges hides a quest to develop an atomic weapon, "is the most dangerous thing that is happening in the world today and it must be stopped."

"The fact that Iran has a nuclear program is something that should be of concern to every country in the world. Of course it's of concern to Israel because Israel has proximity to Iran, but it's an issue for all of us," she said.

Pelosi added the US Congress had been "very clear" by passing Iran sanctions legislation that Iranian leaders "will have some change in their behavior in terms of promoting terrorism."

Iran has strongly denied any involvement in an alleged plot by the Revolutionary Guards' elite Quds Force to kill the Saudi ambassador by hiring assassins from a Mexican drug cartel for $1.5 million.

Tehran has also denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting it wants a civilian energy program.

Source: AFP