Indonesia was the sole hold out among the council's 15 members. Ambassador Marty Natalegawa told his colleagues that his country is not convinced that more sanctions are the most sensible way to go and would therefore abstain from voting. "Essentially, we are not convinced that more sanctions, however incremental, well-targeted and reversible will move us forward in resolving the question of Iran's nuclear program or whether it would only give a potentially negative impact at a time when progress is being made," said Ambassador Natalegawa.Resolution co-sponsors France and Britain had hoped for complete consensus among the council, but said the near unanimous vote still sent a clear signal to Iran. Britain's U.N. Ambassador John Sawers: "Its adoption sends a clear message to the government and the people of Iran," said Ambassador Sawers. "It underlines yet again that the international community is profoundly concerned that Iran might be intending to use its nuclear program for military purposes."
The United States welcomed the passage of resolution 1803. Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad told reporters it is up to Iran to change course, if not, the international community would have to increase its pressure. But he noted that the United States supports a diplomatic resolution to the issue.
The resolution passed Monday tightens some existing sanctions and imposes additional travel and financial sanctions on Iranian individuals and companies. Ahead of the vote, Iran's envoy said any new sanctions would be illegal and he warned that Tehran would never give up its legitimate right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy.