An Iranian official said on Wednesday the Islamic republic was losing confidence in the international community after the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding it stop sensitive nuclear work. Vice President Esfandiar Rahim Mashaie met in Tokyo with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, who urged Iran to regain the world's trust.| “the Security Council resolution heightens mistrust and strengthens the belief that Western countries are attempting to take away Iran's rights through pressure rather than dialogue...” |
Mashaie, who is the head of Iran's Cultural Heritage and Tourism Organization, is visiting Japan to open a major display of Persian historical relics. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has refused to back down on the nuclear issue or to give a prompt reply to the package of incentives. The UN Security Council voted 14-1 on Monday to demand that Iran give up sensitive nuclear activities including uranium enrichment by August 31 or face possible sanctions.