Sarkozy says Iran bomb 'unacceptable'

PARIS, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy says Iran is developing nuclear weapons and called the development “unacceptable” to France.

Sarkozy’s statements on a television interview were the strongest to come out of Europe in the ongoing dispute between Tehran and the west, Britain’s Telegraph reported Saturday.

“Iran is trying to obtain an atomic bomb,” Sarkozy said, adding. “That is unacceptable and I tell the French people it is unacceptable.”

The Telegraph said it was the first direct statement from a European leader that Iran had nuclear ambitions and was not simply developing peaceful nuclear power. Sarkozy’s stance could increase the chances the United Nations will place new sanctions against Iran.