U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta warned on Saturday that more sanctions would be imposed against Iran over the country’s nuclear energy program, AFP reported.
During a press conference with Peru Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano, Panetta threatened Tehran with “additional sanctions,” the report said.
He also called on Iran “to engage seriously with the international community to try to resolve this issue.”
FACTS & FIGURES
Key lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are looking at ways to expand economic sanctions on Iran. Economic Times
The proposals, still in the early stages of development, would aim to penalize foreign banks that handle any significant transactions with the Central Bank of Iran. Only oil-related transactions are now covered. Economic Times
The United States has long barred U.S. firms from doing business with Iran, but last December adopted measures that forced international buyers of Iranian oil to cut their purchases. Economic Times
In August, a second package of sanctions added further restrictions for international banks, insurance companies and oil traders.
The U.S., Israel and their allies say Tehran may intend to use its nuclear capability to produce atomic bombs, a claim Iran rejects. Tehran insists its program is completely peaceful.
(Press TV)
