Clinton says US has serious disagreement with Brazil over its approach to Iran’s nuke program

Clinton cites serious split with Brazil over Iran

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the Obama administration has a “very serious” disagreement with Brazil over its approach to curbing Iran’s nuclear program.

In remarks Friday at the Brookings Institution think tank, Clinton said a nuclear fuel swap proposed jointly by Brazil and Turkey would only serve to buy time for Iran to pursue its nuclear ambitions. And she said it would undercut the international community’s ability to present a united front against Iran.

Clinton said the U.S. view — not shared by Brazil — is that Iran will agree to negotiate over the nuclear program only after the U.N. Security Council imposes tough new sanctions.