FACT CHECK: The world was "divided" on Iran when Obama took office: The president used a variation of his campaign’s repeated claim that the United States was “isolated” on Iran, a statement that suggests that before Obama took office, the United States was on its own or in the minority as it pursued sanctions against Iran in an effort to thwart development of a nuclear weapon -- and that Obama deserves credit for building an international coalition where none existed.

But the Bush administration already had secured cooperation on sanctions by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union and the governments of seven countries.

In March 2008, the UN Security Council voted 14-0, with one abstention, to approve a third round of sanctions against Iran, which included trade bans on civilian and military goods, inspections of shipments to and from Iran, and monitoring of two Iranian banks believed to be aiding nuclear development. The UN resolution was co-sponsored by Britain and France.

Three months later, the European Union froze assets in Iran’s largest bank and adopted financial and travel sanctions.

In addition, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, plus Germany and Australia, imposed their own sanctions against Iran. by Callum Borchers, Globe... 10/23/2012 2:00:39 AM