Biden tells Netanyahu Iran sanctions will be enforced

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Vice President Joe Biden assured Israel sanctions against Iran would continue to be enforced, a senior administration official said.

In Israel to attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Biden met with Prime Minster Benyamin Netanyahu and updated him on last week's agreement of "P5 plus 1" nations to constrain Iran's nuclear ambitions while providing Iran some relief from economic sanctions.

"The sanctions architecture remains intact," the official said aboard the plane returning Biden and his staff from Israel.

Biden and Netanyahu also discussed Iranian intervention in the Middle East and the building of new settlements in Israel.

Biden reminded Netanyahu construction of Israeli settlements on occupied land was "not constructive" to the peace process between Israel and Palestine, the official said.