I can only believe that most of the people posting here are Arabs living in the UK, or pretending to live in the UK.

Any British person who does not see a threat from Iran must be a terrorist supporter or an idiot burying their head in the sand.

I am sick of comments that we should just live and let live. These people will be the first to complain when their lives are destroyed by terrorists taking over the world and causing chaos.

As for Brits being anti-American, this disgusts me. We are copying the American lifestyle in every way. We are even shooting each other like Americans! This is what we opt for, and yet we speak out against them!

British people seem to be happy to sit back and give up everything for a little peace and quiet. We have become so politically correct that we are becoming weaker and weaker, and if we don't watch out we'll end up giving away all of our rights and position.

Chris, UK,

I think that the world should be nuclear free. It should not be an option for anyone.. USA should not dictate to other Countries when she is the biggest culprit. Just get rid of all mad dictators in this world who are men. Women should rule the world without any male input. Then it would be a peaceful world for all to live in equally. Mr. Brown should not make the same mistake as Mr. Blair by becoming a puppet of Mr. Bush

Munire

Munire, London,

Mr. Brown, why beat about the Bush! why not just give it to the Iranians plain and straight "your country's wealth or your life" . It would make it much easier for everyone to understand why you place where you place your values. After all you are talking about a new world order; and one can hardly imagine the UK and for that matter the rest of Europe, siding with the Chinese or the Russians on that issue.

Eftekhar Ali, London, UK

Actually Gordon, Iran has been complying with IAEA requests completely. What they have not done is give up their rightful claims to Nuclear energy for domestic use.

Firstly what right have you got to tell Iran NOT to develop nuclear weapons when it is quite clear what will happen to their country if Iraq or Lebanon is anything to go by?

There can be NO legitimate questions asked of Iran until the same is asked of Israel.

Gordon the double standards are plain for everyone to see and make you look stupid. Hard headed ? More like thick headed !

sam, london,

Iran and the UK are not morally equivalent cultures, so equating the right of Iran to have a nuclear capability similar to the UK including other western states is erroneous and dangerous. China can be suitably impeded by the threat of a temporary and strategically chosen hike in import tariffs for the EU and the US markets.

Charles Smyth, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Spineless Brown could not stand up and say 'We cannot afford another war' and we will only be standing sholder-to-sholder if our cut of the Iranian-oil-loot is much bigger. Now the council tax will suddenly leap up again, similar to just after the 2003.

Andy, Harrow, UK

All that this will do, is to aggravate the Iranians - making them more anti the west and damage western oil service companies.

This sort of rhetoric just increases the likelyhood of conflict between Iran and the west - and will drive the Iranians into electing yet more anti western politicians.

Once again our politicians reveal their stupidity.

richard mullens, London, Europe

Is Gordon Brown Stupid? Oil is close to its record price, we are approaching winter, have a world wide credit crunch combined with rising global inflation the last thing we need is more meddling in the Middle East. He should concentrate on sorting out UK domestic energy policy before he clunks his fist abroad. If he wants to see oil hit $200 a barrel in the next six months he's going the right way about it, see how his "no more boom and bust" and "British Jobs for British Workers" will sound then. After the disasters of Iraq and Afghanistan we should put our planes and tanks away and concentrate on the real issues of food, domestic energy security and production and housing rather than posturing on the international stage.

Bruce Mcaaw, Grantham,

To the relativist I say there is not comparison between the current members of the nuclear club and Iran. None are lead by religious zealots who spread their religion by terrorism and repression. As to Pakistan, what has changed? Musharraf was a dictator before and he still is now. It is suicidal to ask for free elections over there as it will lead to another terror state...one with nukes. We have not attacked them not because they dont have oil but because Musharraf has granted access to NATO for its mission in Afganistan. As to India, other than the economic threat it poses to America I hope it matures into a military and economic power soon as that part of the world needs a counterweight to China fast . The recent sub incident shows they are a looming threat to the US and Taiwan. Taiwan needs to be making friends with India fast and a nice little military pact between the US, India, and Taiwan could hold China in check. The US needs to shift its outsourcing away from China to India

Bill Jones, Knoxville, USA

Just because one hates Bush and America does not make it right for Iran to develop a Nuclear weapon.
The third world does not deserve to be treated as servants, but it still does not make it right for balance of humanity to accept the continued proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Just because some nations already posses horrific weapons of mass destruction does not mean we should allow them to proliferate globally.
The human race has one chance to stop the madness of a world full of small unstable nuclear powers. Either we make a stand or live in fear for the rest of our lives.
Remember 9/11, Madrid, London. A religious zeal is present in the world today which does not discriminate against who it kills and who it does not kill. Imagine the devastation a nuclear weapon would create detonated over Glasgow or Amsterdam.
George, do not allow your hatred of America to blind the need to deny Iran a nuclear bomb. Adrian, Iran can have a nuclear plant w/o access to weapons grade uranium

Mike Masters, Philadelphia, PA USA

To Elena,

Excuse me, I used the term "order of the new world". I stated it so that it would no be confused with the trigger "New world order". I was speaking of the reality that nations are becoming increasingly interdependent upon one another. Not your paranoid "new world order"

You are correct America needs to start caring about its own and leave the world to its own affairs, however it is a bit more complicated then your book! LOL

The Taliban? We supported them to oppose the Soviets and the spread of Communism! It was a cold war back then. Didn't you not know that?

Stopping the proliferation of nuclear weapons is not something that can be swept under the carpet simply because of ones hatred of western culture.
My comments posted deal strictly with Iran and its desire to acquire nuclear weapons. Your objection to the US policy is a separate issue.

You quoted me out of context and used the Taliban argument incorrectly. Stick to the topic. Now how about Iran?

Mike Masters, Philadelphia, PA USA

To Kieth Wilkes,

I have lived in America all my life and I want to know; Whereare the 70% of literal believers in the bible???!!! That comment alone invalidates your opinions.

Folks like you in Britain and Europe may not care if Iran gets it's hands on a nuclear weapon. Thank "GOD" the USA does!

Sorry if you took the "GOD" literally! LOL

Mike Masters, Philadelphia, PA USA

Why the tough talk?

Iran doesn't threaten Europe. If it aspires to nuclear arsenal that's not unusual: see Pakistan, Isreal, India, China, North Korea, Syria, France, UK, Russia, USA.

Iran's president was mistranslated from Farsi to English - the infamous interpretation that he wanted to wipe out Israel. Apparently he just wants to end the regime there; even some Israelis might want that.

Why is Iran threatened and surrounded by US military? Could it be that they are selling their petrodollars to buy petroeuros and threatening to crash the dollar? Could it be that they're beside some of the worlds largest gas and oil fields? Or because they occupy a key strategic position between the influences of China, Europe and Africa? For answers, ask the Project for a New American Century who currently rule Washington, they might know.

Heard this before? Iraq's non-existent WMDs?

Lets not go into another ugly war.

Instead spend those billions to cultivate peace & understanding.

Bob Downs, London, UK

The imperial global giants square up to each other for the first time in 500 years, this time its for keeps, who gets to rule the world in the 21st century.

Will it be China and India as they reclaim what was theirs in the 13th and 14th century? Will Russia expand it's mighty empire once more? Can Persia, under the flag of Islam reunite and forge a new imperial behemoth? Is that Gordon Brown I see on a high horse... no, it's just an ass... will the imperial west under the banners of the US and the EU attack any nation that threatens their global dominance? ...definately. Is it likely to be Iran next? ...er yes... will it be about nuclear weapons? ...er no. Will it be about oil, money and power... er, well let me guess... will there be a response from the other empires? nuff said...anyone for tiffin?

stubby, Telford, England

When a man points his finger at you and say's "I'm going to kill you", you should really pay attention.

So pay attention fools!

J. Russell, Houston, TX

I have to say people forget that Iran openly supports terrorist parties. Allowing them to build on nuclear technology without supervision from the UN or anyother international body would be idiotic. Build your nuclear power plants but let the Western states supervise you but this is not allowed and therefore creates suspision of terrorist activity. If Iran needs electricity so much for its people why not just follow the guide lines like the rest of the international community?

Steve, London, Uk

Well, if Gordon Brown follows Tony Blair by kow-towing to Bush and leading us into another war that the English do not want, that will be me finished with the Labour Party. I thought he was a man of principles, but the honeymoon period is definitely over. Don't see why we should support America in anything really, they are only interested in themselves anyway.

marina, hemel hempstead, Herts

In a world where sanity prevails Iran could have nuclear power stations, produce nuclear power to run desalination plants and industry and leave more oil to export.
Unfortunately sanity does not prevail in Iran, nuclear facilities are hidden, underground bunkers are used and there is no doubt that Iran intends to develop a nuclear bomb.
Iran must realise that once it develops a nuclear bomb that it will become a target for other nuclear bombs and like the former USSR realise that the use of a nuclear devise would inevitably lead to it's own destruction.

K Gardner, Leeds, UK

Major USA companies worked in Iran throughout the previous ILSA sanctions. Iran's internal oil mnistry continued its internal exploration and production regardless. Sanctions will have little real impact and distract from a solution.

There is a level of hypocrisy in allowing other countries, often with less established cultures, to develop nuclear capability inclduing weapons whilst denying Iran who claim development for energy purposes only. UK and USA have created an inconsistent policy. It seems that proof of Iran's weapons intentions are no better than the coalition's "proof" of WMD's in Iraq.

A US commissioned report for the Shah just prior to the 79 revolution advsied Iran to develop nuclear power for domestic use and to sell its oil and gas internationally to generate cash for economic development. Now Iran is in a position to execute this "Western" energy strategy the same governments who advised them are now telling them they can't do it. Bizarre !!

SC, Inverness, UK

All the crap is just that, Its money making and nothing else and the old saying rub my back and I will rub yours is still a fact.

michael clark, Seven Islands , Quebec Canada

Thanks for that Mr Brown, that's going to be at least another 50 pence per gallon on petrol if this happens.

Mark Cooper, Liskeard, Cornwall

I don’t know about you people but the country I live in, the one called England had the following the last time I checked, London: one of the most powerful finance centers in the world, Royal Navy: one of the most powerful naval institutions in the world, nuclear Subs, euro fighters, powerful allies, the list goes on. If you think for one second that England is a powerless relic you are indeed living in cuckoo land.

Next time you fire up internet explorer, just remember what your machine runs on… and when you leave the office and fire up your gas guzzler just remember who puts fuel in it. Losers…

Jim, Birmingham,

Jesse. I don't think you fully realise how little the average Brit cares what the U.S. government or people think of us. The views of a nation where close to 70% of the population regard the entire Bible as fact simply cannot be taken seriously. The Bush administration from our perspective has no interest whatsoever in peace or freedom, they simply seem to wish to whip up nationalist fervour in your country to save their political necks, not to mention make a hell of a lot of money in the process. Be assured that despite what they would have you believe, our politicians very rarely act in accordance with the views of the people they are supposed to represent. Even were he to wish it Brown would not be able, thanks to successive budget cuts, be able to stretch our military any further than it already is, and he would certainly be thrown out on his ear if he tried.

Keith Wilkes, Brighton, England

To Mike, Philadelphia, PA USA

Yes, we all know about American vision of a new world order thanks Zbigniew Brzezinski's "The Grand Chessboard...": Americas hegemony. Did US ask the rest of the world if such an order suits us?
As to support for terrorism, please, remind me which country supported, trained, financed and brought to power Taliban? The same Taliban you are fighting now, only then you used to call them "freedom fighters"? That's right, USA.

To michael fowler, CINCINNATI
Western values and morality on international stage can be summed up by just one word -- hypocrisy.

Elena, Beds, UK

IT IS NOT GOOD WHEN YOU READ THIS

I never had Brown and Bush as individuals who would put other countries national interests first. Come on who is pulling their strings? It can't be the American adminisration or am I missing something. Everything this and the American administration have done are enhancing Soviet and Chinese interests around the Globe. These wars are are not only emptying our coffers, but we are having to borrow the cash to continue them.Other Global interest get stronger and stronger. while ours get weaker and weaker and now we propose to stop trading with one of the largest producers of OIL. How many friends around the world do we need to lose and markets closed before someone realizes that this is an attack from the inside on our DEMOCRATIC STATE .

Mark , Gateshead, UK

I don't understand you Brits! You have lost your common sense! Poisoned by unreasonable anti-Americanism. Why is it that every British prime minister is "Bush's poodle" just because they are tough on our world's most virulent, ruthless, and oppressive regimes??? Gordon Brown is right to carry a hard line against Iran. That regime supports everything we in the West stand against. You have no idea what our view is like of you over here. We see Europe losing sight of its values, and worse, unwilling to stand up for them. I am getting tired of hearing the "poodle" cliche. When will Britain and the rest of Europe get off its high horse???

Jesse Silverman, Santa Ana, CA, USA

"Gordon Brown threatens Iran’s oil interests unless it curbs nuclear ambition"

This is similar to us going on a hunger strike if Iran doesn't curb it's nuclear ambitions. Would Iran really care?

This is exactly what Russian and China would want...more oil directed towards them.

Mohammed, London, UK

George Bush's new Poodle should concentrate on proper democracy in his own country before worrying about others. How can 27 per cent of the electorate represent a majority? On foreign affairs a nuclear armed and very unstable Pakistan represents a massive threat to peace - no bombing, sanctions, invasion threats there, wonder why? Oh yes, I know, they have no oil reserves.

Neil, Gloucestershire, England

P.M. brown is right. The Security Council, World Bank and IMF have to incorporate countries like India, Japan, Brazil etc.

India will have more population than any other country, even China, in about 25 years. It is the largest democracy, secular and open. It has a very fast growing economic, political and military power including aerospace capabilities.

The out-of-date institutions will increasingly become irrelevant, as they will be ignored by many countries.

Mr Vipul Thakore, London, UK

mr Brown should close UKs nuclear plants first before he starts screaming about another country deciding to have the same, for electricity supply for the people!

With the state of Israel having nuclear power, hy shouldn't an arab country have nuclear power too?

It would balance the inequality now present, and with the balance of nuclear power in the region probably a peace solution could be reached sooner........

Adrian Masters, Amsterdam,

His proposal is futile. China would buy all the oil Iran could
pump.

Denver Watt, Osakad,

Gordon Brown is as impotent on the international front as much as on the national front, if not more. The so called 3rd world countries, are not your servants, did you get it GB.

Genco Abbandando, Naples,

Yeah America you stand for freedom and democracy that's why you invade other countries that don't agree with you or use the CIA to overthrow leaders hostile to the US. That's why you refuse to recognise the International Courts of Justice so that you can remain unaccountable for your illegal agression and of course your private security companies have been given immunity from prosecution in Iraq(by the US interim govt)?
I agree wholeheartedly that Iran must be stopped from developing nuclear weapons but please let's stop clouding the arguement with the usual US hypocritical rubbish that you are doing it for democracy and freedom - you don't know the real meaning of those words.

George, Glasgow, UK

Hullo! Mr Bush's poodle no.2 has arrived - tut tut Gordon to think we actually thought that you might have a nmind of your own and act like a leader instead of a US stooge.

George, Glasgow, UK

To me watching excerpts on TV, Gordon Brown in his speech to the City, came across sadly as a toothless tiger.

Michael Blatchford, Bath, UK

Once more a British PM is getting his ambitions mixed with the counties capabilities and needs. "News flash the empire has gone." and like all faded empires the decay and rot is from within. In Africa and Middle East, Britain has become yesterdays foot note. These regions are looking east to the new dawns of the east. Commerce and technology are traded without moralistic or neurotic controls on end use. Technology education, population and markets in Asia has given countries the assets to leap frog the need for two hundred years of industrial evolution. Meeting the new challenges of the future with confidence without the need to turn to London, Washington or Brussels, is now a reality. Monopolies of the European East India Companies are long dead.
All things have a sale value, welcome to the global capitalists. Iran and others will get the technology they desire and can afford. How it is used depends on the quality of politicians with finite self lives.

Sandy, Victoria,

Mr. Brown mentions "hard headed intervention" but in the same breath "believes the diplomatic route should be followed". I've read lots of European tough talk. I know where the talk will continue to come from(EU), and I've got a pretty good idea who will be performing the intervention(U.S.). So essentially...he hasn't said anything new!

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

God have mercy on us all - should Iran reach its nuclear ambitions. No one, no country in the world that stands for freedom and democracy will be safe.

Support those that are trying to defend you. It costs nothing.

Hotspur, ATL, USA

Hey Peter,

It is a shame the country that will host the Olympic Games, China, has millions in poverty and is an autocratic regime. It is refreshing that Gordon Brown finds place in his politics for Western values and morality, unlike the cynical tyrants Putin and Hu.

michael fowler, CINCINNATI, usa/ohio

Ed corbett, Neville Chamberlain thought that we could succeed through diplomacy. If this remembrance week reminds us of anything - it is that appeasement did not and does not work.

Peter Holmes, London, england

Nations who desire the "entire" fuel cycle for fear of dependence can not be part of the "new" interdependent world.
Nations who threaten other nations with theocratic rhetoric and display ignorance such as the denial of horrific past genocide can not expect the rest of the world to sit idle while they develop the capacity for mass genocide.
Diplomacy takes two rational and willing partners. Iran has been offered incentive after incentive both economically and diplomatically but thumbs its nose at the rest of the world, while they make progress towards the development of a nuclear weapon.
The previous poster who derided Brown as a relic of the past did not read the article with inspection. Brown specifically pointed towards the order of the new world and its "interdependent" nature. This interdependency is precisely what Iran is rejecting.
The vision of the Iranian ruling party is a Islamic world order and they support terrorism towards this end. Nuclear Iran? Very Scary!!!

Mike, Philadelphia, PA USA

Why should Iran give up their right to the entire nuclear fuel cycle? So they can be dependent on other countries? What moron would take that deal?

The West needs to get used to the fact that third world countries are no longer their servants.

tim, Washington, DC

Er could he not just keep quite and leave it to the EU.

Peter, Beverley, UK

It was a speech of a person who still lives in the past when the UK had colonies all over the world. All this talk about the chosen nation, the special country, the leading nation is like an old woman who is boasting about her healthy teeth although she lost them almost all years ago. What the PM Brown shows is his will to be one of Bush's lackeys and follow him blindly in the new war if Bush decides to do that.
Instead of dreaming about his mission in the world where he can change the injustices, which by the way his own government has created, he should turn to domestic problems. It is a shame that the nation who will host the Olympic games still have thousands of homeless people and that inhabitants of cities and towns can become victims of crime whenever they leave their homes.
Instead of threatening Iran he should reach his hand out and talk to the Iranian government. Or maybe he like his friend Bush loves body bags?

Bess, Uppsala, Sweden

Gordon Brown says his aproach is
" hard headed internationalism ".
it's more like 'Blockheaded internationalism ' This country is so confused and ill led that our ability to act in ,any real capacity, is very limited and in no way could it act militarily.
To suggest that Iran and its nuclear material providers be held to account is immaterial.
We can only succeed through diplomacy in concert with the USA and the EU

ed corbett, bridgend, wales