People in the western nations are well aware of the nationalist ferment which is pushing the government of Iran into extremist positions on the issue of taking over the British-owned Anglo-Iranian Oil Co..

But Iranian officials may come to regret the violence of their tirades against any and all opposition. Recently they flatly told the World Court the issue was none of its business. Yet Iran is a signatory to the articles establishing that court, and is thus bound legally to respect its jurisdiction and its findings.

Some day Iran may decide it needs the Court, or the United Nations. Its irrational flaunting of its own extremist views will not then stand it in good stead.