The United States welcomes the European Union's imposition Monday of further sanctions against Iran, a State Department spokesman said.

The European Union agreed Monday on the need to sharpen sanctions on Iran - possibly targeting the oil and gas sectors in what would mark Europe's strongest punishments yet to discourage Tehran's nuclear ambitions.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

By The Associated Press WASHINGTON - The United States announced harsh new penalties on the Iranian military and state-owned banking systems Thursday, raising pressure on the world financial system to cut ties with a regime the West accuses of bankrolling terrorism and seeking a nuclear bomb.

By Peter Urban, Connecticut Post, Bridgeport Oct. 26--WASHINGTON -- New sanctions against Iran that the Bush administration announced Thursday drew a quick rebuff from Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, who worries that they are simply a precursor to war.