So what is the US to do? Impose economic sanctions on Great Britain because of their support for Iran, and Iranian business? Specifically BP. We must face up to the fact that we, the US, brought this entire Iranian mess upon ourselves (thanks Jimmah AND a spineless congress). If we economically destabilize Iran, it hurts British, German, and other EU interests. I did not exactly find an "or else" ultimatum from Paulson in this piece. What if the Blue Chips tell the US Treasury to p!ss up a rope? Will the Treasury send enforcement to British soil?
The question of international sanctions on Iran - outside of the UN - is one of cooperation based on mutual interests. The Brits have said they will cooperate. That is, the British Government has said they will cooperate. This is what we're witnessing here. The consequences of not economically destabilizing Iran are obvious. Any bank helping Iran make nukes or support terror will get a slapdown from the appropriate enforcement agency. To your point about Carter – you note it’s a mess. Are you suggesting we lay around in filth, and do nothing? Or are you suggesting sanctions are a limp wrist approach to solving the Iran crisis? The media has gotten bored of it but I can assure you that every day the Iranians are inching closer and closer to an operable nuclear warhead.