Israel urges tougher Iran sanctions

Israel called on the international community to pursue tougher sanctions against Iran if it flouts a U.N. resolution against its nuclear program. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday that U.N. Security Council Resolution 1737 of Dec. 23, which imposed limited sanctions on Iran with the option of expanding them if it does not freeze sensitive nuclear projects, had been successful. “My personal view is that the sanctions that were already applied and other measures taken by the international community, including financial measures, are effective,” Olmert told foreign reporters, but added: “It’s not enough, and a lot more has to be done.”Iran has vowed not to honor the resolution, but diplomats are waiting for the findings of a U.N. report on the Iranian nuclear program before deciding on a course of action.