US enacts tougher sanctions on Iran

US enacts tougher sanctions on Iran

WASHINGTON

Targeting Iran’s economy, the U.S. ordered tough new penalties Monday to further pinch the country’s financial system and encourage Israel to give sanctions more time before any military action against Iran’s nuclear program.

The new, stricter sanctions, authorized in legislation that President Barack Obama signed in December, will be enforced under an order he signed only now. They give U.S. banks new powers to freeze assets linked to the Iranian government and close loopholes that officials say Iran has used to move money despite earlier restrictions imposed by the U.S. and Europe.

Officials: Slain boys had ‘chop injuries’

GRAHAM, Wash.

The sons of a missing Utah woman suffered severe chopping injuries to their heads or necks as they died in a house fire set by their father, authorities in Washington state said Monday evening.

Smoke inhalation was the primary cause of death for Josh Powell and his two young sons, the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office said. But the boys also suffered “chop injuries” that contributed to their deaths.

The Sunday blaze at Powell’s home brought yet another twist in the very public scandal that began when Susan Powell vanished in 2009.

A social worker brought the two boys to Josh Powell’s home Sunday for what was to be a supervised visit, and Powell let his sons inside — but then blocked the social worker from entering, authorities have said.

The social worker called her supervisors to report that she could smell gas. Moments later, the home burst into flames, igniting an inferno that neighbors said rattled their houses.

Associated Press