US Congress passes tough new sanctions on Iran

The new penalties are aimed at banks, insurance companies and shippers assisting Iran in selling its oil.
In Israel, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta stressed Wednesday that if economic sanctions do not compel Iran to end its nuclear program, the United States will have to consider military options to destroy it.
Both Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Barak voiced skepticism about the likelihood of sanctions curbing Iran’s race for a nuclear bomb. Netanyahu said, “The time to resolve this issue peacefully is running out.”