US builds coalition to isolate Iran

The Times of India:

The United States has pursued another diplomatic track by building a 'coalition of the willing' to isolate Iran, American officials said.

US officials said they are finding some success, especially with Japan, which, because of its dependence on oil from the Middle East, has long maintained neutrality.

On the day Iran restarted its enrichment activity, the magazine says, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso called his counterpart in Tehran to urge acceptance of the package, Time magazine reported.

Japan's "uncharacteristically venture some" moves reflect growing global consensus on isolating Iran. U.S. diplomats say Italy, another of Iran's top trading partners, has been "very supportive," as have several Persian Gulf states where Iran does much banking.