North Korea and Iran were not included in that pledge because they do not cooperate with other countries on nonproliferation standards.
The United States considers them nuclear rogues — Pyongyang for developing and testing nuclear weapons and Tehran because it is suspected of trying to do the same under the cover of a peaceful program, something Iran denies. Outlining the policy Tuesday, Robert M. Gates, US defense secretary, said the focus would now be on terror groups such as Al Qaeda as well as North Korea’s nuclear buildup and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Addressing thousands in the country’s northwest, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran derided Obama.
“American materialist politicians, whenever they are beaten by logic, immediately resort to their weapons like cowboys,’’ Ahmadinejad said in a speech before a crowd of several thousand in northwestern Iran.
“Mr. Obama, you are a newcomer [to politics]. Wait until your sweat dries and get some experience. Be careful not to read just any paper put in front of you or repeat any statement recommended,’’ Ahmadinejad said in the speech, aired live on state TV.
Ahmadinejad said Obama “is under the pressure of capitalists and the Zionists,’’ and vowed Iran would not be pushed around.
American officials “bigger than you, more bullying than you, couldn’t do a damn thing, let alone you,’’ he said, addressing Obama.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, whose country is the only Mideast nation considered to have nuclear weapons, dismissed speculation the Jewish state could come under pressure.
“I’m not concerned that anyone would think that Israel is a terrorist regime,’’ he said. “Everybody knows a terrorist and rogue regime when they see one, and believe me, they see quite a few around Israel.’’
Washington’s key European partners on its efforts to contain Iran’s nuclear activities welcomed the Obama initiative.
