I would like to have someone explain to me how the possession of a handful of weapons by the Iranians (who to the best of my knowledge, have not invaded anyone else's territory since the Mullahs took power there) poses an unacceptable threat to the entire world, whereas the US and Israel, both of whom possess nuclear weapons, and have both invaded and overrun territories occupied by other peoples, are judged a unquestionably benign ?

R. Edwards, Aising,

"Simply a pitty..why France has the right to have an atomic arsenal and why iran not? preach and practice!"

Javier, it isn't about fairness it's about *our* security. The idea that because we have weapons they should have them too or if they don't have them we should get rid of ours is ridiculous. We are de-facto at war with Islamic Extremism and have been for a while now. If you think letting a country like Iran wield nuclear weapons is a good idea then you are frankly in cloud cuckoo land.

I am pleased France is throwing her weight around in support of our shared ideals and interests, rather than as so often in the past being the contrarian purely to promote transatlantic discord.

Robinson, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

If you are caught telling a lie in a court of law, it's fair to say that your testimony will be disregarded. So before this turns into another case of WMD's, a 45 minute launch capability, allies of al-qaeda etc, can we actually see some real life undisputable proof or are we going to take at face value again "intelligence" coming out of Israel? Anything forthcoming?...............................................................thought not!

Rod Polisher, Scunthorpe, UK

I am pleased to see a French president who understands the true nature of international relations. When you deal with certain countries, they only understand a tough stance. Iran is not going to listen to negotiations, just like Iraq wasn't. Europe must open its eyes and realize that they are sliding back towards appeasement, in the name of peace. Peace today doesn't mean peace tomorrow if you aren't willing to protect it.

Ben, Georgia, United States

These words from Mr Sarkozy are refreshing it's been a long time since France was pushing forward, it's a large nation that's got to push itself onto the world stage and not sit back and moan about what others do. If you look at the missions in the former Republic of Yugoslavia and West Africa when France steps forward with the UK it normally ends in success what the US believes it does not need in diplomacy with it's military muscle France has in abundance, if any nation was blessed with the gift of talking and diplomacy then it's the French. It would be great to see more European leaders step forward and be counted.

Andrew Franklin, Sandwich, United Kingdom

It seems the American Age is nearing an end. Viva Europa!

Alex, Douglas, Isle of Man

Dek Crossingham, Iran is a very civilised country, which is suffering under a deeply uncivilised, brutal, repressive regime.
The people of the Middle East, oddly enough, are a lot less worried by Iranian ambitions than by an American president who seems intent on launching far more widespread war here on the basis of yet more false information, as in Iraq. And if Iran were attacked, it would immediately strike back at the nations with American bases here (including this one) and very probably trigger sectarian war across the region.
An attack on Iran would also light the blue touchpaper in Pakistan, which already has a nuclear arsenal.
The only way that America and allies can successfully and peacefully bring about the downfall of Ahmadinejad & Co is to back and militarily support an internal coup (and it's not like the US lacks experience in that) - bombing Iran is the one thing that would actually win support for Ahmadinejad and the mullahs in Iran and the wider M.E.

Rose , Hawalli, Kuwait

Oleg,
Please be informed that Mrs Sarkozy has no official state functions. There is no definition for the so called "First Lady" in the French constitution.

Tib, Christchurch, UK

Ça donne ! A French leader who has a pair. Iran declared war on the west in 1979 and we have yet to do anything about it. I don't think it will come to bombing, but thank God Sarko refuses to march in lockstep with the rest of the Eurocastrati.....

Marco, Miami, FL USA

It will not look too good in the eyes of the Muslim world when a 2nd generation Hungarian Jewish immigrant French President threatens to bomb Iran. So far, all we have heard is lots of rhetoric repeated over and over that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Not one shred of proof. I wonder if the Zionists are supplying the "intelligence" for this one too? Roll out Colin Powell again to present fake evidence to the UN again. This sounds like Iraq all over again. WMD's, 45 minute launch times etc. The cretinous leaders we have in power are going to lead us into WW3 and Armageddon.

Rod Polisher, Scunthorpe, UK

It certainly isn't a question of being America's Poodle, or being governed by lunatics.
While Pst Sarkozy may have to learn to voice France's views in a less controversial and blunt manner, he is still absolutely right.
Let us not forget that Iran is a country of political and religious extremes, where women can still be stoned, homosexuals can face the death sentence and where people have virtually no freedom.
In this light, trying to prevent a country where basic human rights are denied to all to possess WMDs is not a matter of being pro-american , it's a matter of standing up for what we believe in.

Frances, Paris,

To Sergio and Annabelle: don't worry too much. It's all spin. First he doesn't speak english, so he's not going to establish the nice intimate poodle connection ("Yo Nicolas") needed to "work" with Dubya.
Second, it's all for domestic consumption: distancing himself from Chirac's policies and, more importantly, setting up the gallows for former Chirac's cronies, some of whom are in his government (seems like a French sequel of "House of cards").

Ronnie, PARIS, FRANCE

The 'Bush' virus is going around.

Mohammed, London, UK

At long last a sensible leader for France! And he is absolutely correct about Iran: Can anyone seriously believe that we can safely permit a cretinous 14th Century theocracy to carry on arming itself as Iran is doing? The EU and US must together completely annihilate every trace of Iranian military capacity very soon indeed.

Maynard, Oxford, UK

As Sir Humphrey once said: -

"Ahh The French..our most mistrusted allies"

Anthony, B'kara, Malta

'The biggest challenge to the world was the avoidance of conflict between Islam and the West' so we're ignoring the slaughter in Darfur, kids dieing of starvation, HIV and malaria?? President Sarkozy is focusing the world's attention on a nuclear program that won't come to fruition anytime in the near future because by creating such ideas in people's minds and scaring them into thinking their is some evil force trying to bomb them, such 'leader's' can ignore the problems in their countries.

Gaby , Dubai, UAE

Lakshman: You must understand that international relations is not looked at that way by anyone. Do not think for a second that if the sides were turned, Iran wouldn't bomb our facilities. It is simple realpolitik. Iran must not be allowed to have nuclear weapons, and it has nothing to do with sovereignty. It is about the stability of the region and the world.

Ben, Georgia, United States

Like the comment about French poodles. And anyway, I thought it was Israel that was the crossroad of the Middle East's troubles, not Iran.

Howard, Johannesburg, South Africa

One thing I will like to say here clearly, it requires guts to handle a crisis. The best thing that US does, it doesn't just sit, watch and sell arms like many European countries have been doing. If you act, you will get both praise as well as criticize. Unlike many European counterparts, Sarkozy is showing guts to act rather than preaching and watching. Lets see how he acts, other than just talking and plays a bigger role like his US counterpart.

Sandeep, Stockholm,

Wow. So when Iran's Pres didn't even say exactly (as was wrongly translated) about wiping Isreal of map then so much foul cry was raised by the so-called Big 5. And now when USA, Germany and Isreal openly talk about attacking a soverign country then nobody blinks an eye? Give me a break poeple.

Doesn't matter how far is Iran in nuke capability or whether it even wants to make a one, I personally will be so glad when it attains the capability and even make few bombs so then only the arrogant powers will come to their senses. technology is nobody's domain.

**argh..This is sickening***

Gurmit, Chandigarh,

Finaly, France has a leader.

Gary, toronto, Canada

This reminds me of the musical Evita: "You've just acquired an ally who / looks as secure in his job as you" (an aide referring to General Franco)

Pierre Bernardi, Paris, France

I'd like to make a point more vivid :
- about Turkey Nicolas SARKOZY has always said he didn't want them into Europe and he's still telling. He was also telling that he was rather for a partnership between Europe and Turkey and he is still telling.
To finish with that he also said that he wouldn't block negociations under certains conditions ... that in the 35 chapters contained in these negociations, 30 are compliants with a partnership and 5 with entrance of Turkey in Europe. So, if Turkey is OK they would start dealing with the 30 chapters ... but, if Turkey wants to start discussions with the 5 others, the door would be locked for good.

About Irak : of course he is against the millitary invasion of the country by US and during his speach he clearly told (again) that he wanted a politic and diplomatic solution and that a clear calendar for foreign troops removal was required.

Nicolas, Avignon, France

Further to my previous e mail of this morning, I am a little surprised that so far there have not been any more comments on this story, or are people seeing through it as hot air?

john michael bennett, worthing, w sussex UK

'The biggest challenge to the world was the avoidance of conflict between Islam and the West' so we're ignoring the slaughter in Darfur, kids dieing of starvation, HIV and malaria?? President Sarkozy is focusing the world's attention on a nuclear program that won't come to fruition anytime in the near future because by creating such ideas in people's minds and scaring them into thinking their is some evil force trying to bomb them, such 'leader's' can ignore the problems in their countries.

Gaby , Dubai, UAE

It's good to see France jettison the craziness of the Chirac era, elect a leader who can correctly see the looming threat, and support robust operations to halt it before we are all plunged into the world's first nuclear war albeit a small one. The usual objections from the Left of course, but you and I we've been through that - and this is not our fate.... The hour is getting late. Thank you Mr. Sarkozy.

Dave M., london, USA / UK

Why do we in the West keep threatening Iran ?
Is it not against the charter of the UN and against international law for a nation ( in this case a nuclear France ) to threaten another country ?

Do we really think threatening Iran is going to scare them to stop their uranium enrichment ?
If France was threatened, would they not go for the bomb and secure their nation ?

Mr. Sarkozie should remember his comments next time he lectures Iran for defying the UN call to stop enrichment. He himself is speaking in violation of the UN charter. Go back to school Mr. Sarkozie.

Nicholas, LOndon, UK

well soft bush 2 knows the tricks. and he is on the way of experiencing the decline, just like the declining sun. faster than light all he will hope to do will fail. them the nice picture on the papers will contradict reality. however we shall them know how manipulative the main media is and what they have achieve. at what degreed has the population brainwash has being effective . but we shall also remember mahatma ghandi who once said that the truth will always prevail. and we all know by them what the truth is. however he does still has a chance to change course!

bremont, marseille, france

The gentleman in Goa's relaxed attitude towards Iran's nuclear ambitions is interesting, given the fact that his country never seems to be too far from a potential nuclear conflict with its neighbour and potential ally, Pakistan. You speak of us in the West respecting Arab aspirations, but when you describe western leaders as 'goons' that is lacking in respect. Democracy is all about accepting opinions different to your own, and if I called your leaders 'goons' you would label this racist. Also, what can Iran's aspirations be? Filled with oil, it doesn't need nuclear energy, so with it pouring billions into a nuclear programme instead of feeding its poor maybe Mr. Sarkozy isn't so mad after all.

Michael Delporte, Malaga, Spain

My goodness, the Will of the People in France undermined by President Bush; so what of Brown? I would say that unemployment in the teens, and riots that caused over 10,000 cars to be torched is OK. Remember, France has a population that is approximately 10% Islamic, and that Iran's bombs can't reach the USA, (they'll be stopped, don't worry, the USA won't let it happen, LOL) Who did you call for in Bosnia? Who bought those bad Serbs to the Hague, our Navy Seals. Merkle, she must be a bad one, too conservative, how possibly the winner when her opponent ran such an anti-Bush campaign? We are waiting for you Brits to wake up, zzz. The loons are seem to be Britain's Citizens when I read your postings here. How about this litmus test; we call it "Group Think" in Sociology. It is essentially when all the people of a group think the same way, and the ideas deteriorate, am I bearing witness to that here? Be the judges of yourselves. We assisted Germany into becoming the #1 European economy.

Travis Bickle, NY, NY, USA

blimey...the French standing up to be counted.!!

kirk, Rotherham, UK

How do we meet the "can of worms"?? Nuclear deterrence. It worked before the keep the US and the USSR from blowing each other up. The notion that Iran would launch a nuclear strike against anyone is ludicrous -- even if we believe they want nuclear weapons. But why should we, since the people who tell us they want them are the same people who sold us a bill of goods about Saddam's WMD?

And the notion that a nuclear-armed Iran would transfer nuclear weapons to Islamic radicals is equally ludicrous. The US and USSR did not give nukes to their terrorist allies (US: Contras in Nicaragua, UNITA in Angola, Mujahideen in Afghanistan; USSR: Vietcong, PLO, IRA, etc); so why does Iraq's support of "terrorism" make them a unique threat? This is all just anti-Islamic hysteria. We can deal with them the way we deal with white people, I am quite sure. We deter and negotiate.

S Vinson, New Paltz, NY, USA

Why is it difficult for some readers to understand that the problem is not with Iran, but the regime in Iran. I agree; the Mullah's must never have the opportunity of accessing nuclear weapons. However, the Mullah's do not represent the majority of the Iranian people whom are hostage to the Islamic mafia in Iran. If there were to be a free and fair election there, the Mullah's will be rejected from power. Most Iranians hate these guys. Don't get fooled by regime cronies burning flags on the streets. They are yobs and mobs for hire..

I realise the Mullah's will not relinquish power like the shah did... so what is the option ?
Regretably, military strikes against the pillars of the mullah regime - the revolutionary guards and their intelligence apparatus.
Economic sanctions only delay the inevitable and hurt the ordinary people - look at Zimbabwa.

The country with the ability to strike the Mullah regime is the USA. Will the West agree to a nuclear "free Iran" ? I dont think so

Aryan, London, UK

No-one is allowed to create nuclear weapons except

USA, France, UK, China, Korea, Russia, Israel

Where is it written in international law that we can attack a country that is developing technology that we do not like. It is also very interesting that the estimates are that this will take 10 years at least and Iran have stated numerous times that they are not developing nuclear weapons so this is all based on supposition mostly from the USA and we all know how reliable their information is.

Don't let us get fooled into thinking that we should bomb Iran because they may build weapons, are thinking about it, don't like American's, cant stand Israel or any other silly reason.

Attacking Iran would backfire far more than Iraq will and that will take the next 50 years to sort out if at all.

Thanks USA for this example of democracy in action.

Joseph Kellie, Edinburgh, Scotland

Has anyone actually taken the trouble to read what he really said?. I doubt it. Just because Charles Bremner (or his editor)choses to headline this piece with an eye-catching one-liner doesn't mean that Sarko proposes bombing Iran. He even says it would be a catastrophy!!
Come on you people, be a little more critical of what you read in the press, it would save us all a lot of heart-ache.

Geoff, Nantes, France

technically speaking, sarkozy is not a gallic, he is rather a french-born magyar

portos, edinburgh, scotland

Iran is not a "civilised" country and to have a nuclear weapon in their armoury would make them the loose cannon of the middle east.
Steps have to be taken now to protect the world from their omnipotent aims.
A stitch in time springs to mind.
WAKE UP!!

Dek Crossingham, Birmingham, England

It's called grandstanding, and it's worth nothing.

mike, middlesborough, England, UK.

Exactly what we all need - another war but this time run by another Bonaparte. The lunatics are certaintly taking over the asylums world wide. Of course when push comes to shove, they or their children won´t be in the front line.

Michael O´Leary, Dublin, Ireland

Hey Sergio from Toronto,

Why is it that anytime another country's president decides to have some guts and stand up to tyranny, he all of a sudden becomes a lapdog to America. As an American, I don't look upon Sarkozy as a lapdog, but as a partner. You buffoons from the north can learn a thing or two, because in my opinion, you and your fellow countrymen are lousy allies.

Chris, Tampa, USA

Simply a pitty..why France has the right to have an atomic arsenal and why iran not? preach and practice! want a state to quit having nuclear military power, commit yourself in shutting you arsenal down, the rest is hypocresy, now that Blair is gone Sarkozy has showed up, Mr. Bush has a reason to celebrate. That's the reason why the world has absolute no respect for Europe, they never agree on foreign policy so the United States will always be in charge of the world, that's a shame.

Javier Olave, Baden, Switzerland

Talk is cheap Mr Sarkozy. If you really want to feel the Bushies love, then send 10,000 troops to Iraq.

rkerg, oakland, USA/CA

Lets not forget the only country to use the bomb is the USA, the french of course have destroyed countless communities testing the bomb, bikin et al, or is that atoll.

Oh least I forget, the french where also responsible for the murder of Fernando Pereira and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior, such a peace loving nation.

Terry, Beijing , PRC

So reality finally hit close enough to home and Sarkozy is left to clean up the mess. No nation or leader should croon over the hardships, misfortunes, and misperceptions of others seeing them as opportunities. The long burning French summers, starting with the elderly and ending with the socially disenfranchised. What those old men who led the French nation have cost the world! Seeking to plot instead of guide, demonstrating self interest instead of benevolence, and sowing discord instead of unity. Finally Sarkozy's predecessors lost power and their holidays were cut short, so, so what? Hey, maybe there is something to this Karma stuff.

Calvin Hobbes, San Francisco, USA

Hey Mr Sarkozy! Before teaching the world how to live, please teach your wife how to behave and attend the state functions! There are all sign that you will be a disaster for France like Bush for Americe. The only difference: it will be farce, not tradegy.

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

It's about time the French stepped up to the plate and started contributing to the world, rather than just sitting back and criticizing everyone else's actions. But there is no way on Earth France would attack Iran on its own or as part of a coalition. By "bombing Iran" of course he means that the US will do the dirty work while the French hold their chins up a little higher.

John , Columbus, USA/ OHIO

I can only assume from the comments below you think Iran developing nuclear weapons is a better alternative than Iran as a last resort, being prevented from doing so by military force?
Thank goodness even the French now understand that Iran cannot under any circumstances be allowed to develop this type of weapon.

Graeme Wilson, London, UK

Well...if, as some of you suggest, we are so concerned about nut-cases getting hold of nuclear technology, then what the hell is Sarko doing selling it to Gaddafi...anyone remember Lockerbie???!!!???!!!
Maybe, there is another agenda here...just a thought...

Rob, Paris, France

Go Sarko!

Sound policies for a better world.

Cliff, Marseille,

It is regrettable that as one goon is nearing the end of his time that an equally reprehensible replacement has emerged in Europe for at least the next 5 years.
Sarkozy is fast establishimng himself not only as a rightwing missile but is in danger of dragging Europe down the American laid slope of rejection and deep unpoularity in the majority of the non-Western society. Brown,Merkel, Prody must ensure that Europe is not tainted with his brand of extremism.
Nuclear proliferation is bad but the West do not have the monopoly of deciding who should posess these weapons and who should not. What has Sarkosy to say about Israel and Pakistan having them? Okay because they are satellites of the West?
Arab and Middle East aspirations have to be understood and respected and not be subjected to the unthinking bullying that America now joined by France have so long been engaged in.
Only then can we expect prolonged peace and progress.

LAKSHMAN PARDHANANI, GOA, INDIA

Well, what is the alternative to Iran producing nuclear weapons?
Perhaps we should "turn the other cheek" and hope for the best as the above two writers seem to imply? Has anyone got a clue as to how to meet this "can of worms" that has now opened, or indeed let the genie out of the botte?
Come on you out there lets hear you!!

john michael bennett, worthing, w sussex

"Psychozy"?

E J Murray, Kerry, Ireland

Thank goodness we have someone with some sense in Paris now. Doubtless there will be the usual chorus of idiots crying "well, if Israel and America have nukes, why shouldn't Iran?"

Now we just need all other civilized countries to be similarly firm, and we might avoid the horrors of a war... but, as WW2 taught us, some ideologies require a military solution if all else has failed. Iran simply cannot be allowed to gain a nuclear bomb.

Nick, Rotherham, UK

Encouraging... I like this bloke and what he speaks about - the EU shuold about more than a big mutual trade and residency love-in. We should stand firm and united for our civil values6 and our way of life - this bloke highlights what a vain, self-glorifying and disingenuous coward Chirac was...

Richard Mee, Cambridge, UK

He is just running his mouth. Would he dare to bomb Iran on his own, though? Probably not. Furthermore, the audacity of his foreign minister knows no bounds. His country hasn't risked anything in Iraq. Yet he wants now to influence the government of that country. That's either ignorance or arrogance.

Richard L, Hannover, FRG

Re: annabellelee

I disagree. I'm French & would be more than happy to continue to lecture you about the loons who run your country.

Mark, Woking, UK

If there's one thing Sarkozy isn't, it's a lap dog... All I can say is Watch This Space...

Freddie B, London,

So now all is clear: Yesterday's "Public enemy number one" (Gaddafi) is to be sold nuclear technology (thanks France and the US). Meanwhile, we'll pick on some-one else to bully and stir-up yet more anti-western feeling.
Does the phrase "double standards" sound apt here?!
Will we never learn?

Rob, Paris, France

Sarkozy's tough talk on Iran is refreshing indeed for a French president. His softer stance on Turkey's possible membership of the EU will please London, of course, but it will do nothing but disappont the French electorate and the Austrians.

Richard Lewis, Swansea, UK

Guess who just got himself a new French Poodle lapdog?

Sergio Fiore, Toronto, Canada

Well the French can stop lecturing us now about the loons who run our country.

annabellelee, Philadelphia, PA.