Iran and the Security Council

China and Russia have joined the party. That's a bit of a surprise. Though they have added some delay in the process wanting to wait for the IAEA report to be issued. Probably not a bad thing.

The International Atomic Energy Agency is expected to refer the dispute to the UN Security Council at an emergency meeting tomorrow. Russia and China agreed to join the U.S., U.K., France and Germany in backing the referral. The move follows Iran's decision in early January to resume research on uranium enrichment.

The U.S. and European Union are concerned Iran's enrichment research is a front for developing atomic bombs. Iran says its nuclear program is designed to produce electricity.

The response from Iran's President isn't unexpected though.

Iran won't "submit to bullying'' by "fake superpowers'' over the development of nuclear power, which is the Middle East nation's "undeniable right,'' President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said.

The comments to a crowd of supporters in Bushehr province were broadcast live on state television a day before the United Nations nuclear watchdog holds an emergency meeting to pave the way for possible sanctions over Iran's refusal to halt its nuclear research.

"All fake superpowers should know that Iran has been independent for 27 years, relying on its own will,'' Ahmadinejad said. "God willing in the area of nuclear energy, our nation will trace its own path until it has achieved its rights.''

and

Ahmadinejad responded today by criticizing U.S. support for Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories.

"You who support the Zionist puppet regime, you who support the destruction of Palestinian homes, you have no right to talk about liberty or human rights,'' he said.

These aren't the words of a man who is looking to get along with the world.

March will be an interesting month.