05/02/2007

Report warns on Iran attack

A new report has warned Prime Minister Tony Blair that any military action against Iran would have "unthinkable" consequences.

The report, produced by a coalition of charities, faith groups and unions including Oxfam, Unison, GMB, Amicus, the Muslim Parliament and Christian Solidarity Worldwide, urged Mr Blair to put pressure on US President George Bush in order to secure talks between the US and Iran.

Tensions between the two countries have been heightened as the US suspects Iran of using the programme as a cover to produce nuclear weapons - a claim which has been denied by Tehran.

In the report, former Labour minister Stephen Twigg, director of the Foreign Policy Centre, said: "The consequences of military action against Iran are not only unpalatable, they are unthinkable.

"Even according to the worst estimates, Iran is still years away from having a nuclear weapon.

"There is still time to talk and the prime minister must make sure our allies use it."

(KMcA)

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