Cameron joins Sarkozy, Merkel in accusing Iran of threatening 'peace, security of us all'

London, Jan 24 (ANI): British Prime Minister David Cameron has joined French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in accusing Iran of threatening the "peace and security of us all".

Cameron's remarks came as the European Union imposed sweeping sanctions and an unprecedented oil embargo on the Islamic republic.

The steps, agreed by EU foreign ministers in Brussels , amounted to the most punitive restrictions yet imposed on Iran.

All member states have signed up to a ban on any new contracts for the purchase or transport of Iranian crude oil or refined petroleum.

According to The Telegraph, Cameron issued a rare joint statement with Sarkozy and Merkel. The three leaders described the sanctions as "unprecedented."

"The Iranian leadership has failed to restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme," they said.

"We will not accept Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. Iran has so far had no regard for its international obligations and is already exporting and threatening violence around its region," they added.The leaders urged Iran to obey six United Nations resolutions and stop enriching uranium.

"The door is open to Iran to engage in serious and meaningful negotiations about its nuclear programme," they said.

Cameron and his French and German counterparts promised to be "united behind strong measures" that would demonstrate to Iran the "cost of a path that threatens the peace and security of us all." (ANI)