White House Says Iran Statements Provocative

Matt Spetalnick, Reuters:

The White House rejected as provocative Iran's statement's that the United States could feel "harm and pain" if the U.N. Security Council took up the issue of Tehran's nuclear research. "We've made it very clear that Iran must not be allowed to engage in any enrichment and processing activity within its own territories," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters.

In a statement obtained by Reuters on the sidelines of a U.N. nuclear watchdog board meeting in Vienna, Iran said, "The United States may have the power to cause harm and pain but it is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if the United States wishes to choose that path, let the ball roll."

The statement came a day after U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney said Iran would face consequences if it persisted in defying the international community.

Asked about the Iran statement while traveling with Bush in New Orleans, McClellan said, "Provocative statements and actions only further isolate Iran from the rest of the world."