Barak says tougher Iran sanctions needed

JERUSALEM, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak said he believes tougher measures are necessary to halt Iran's nuclear development.

In a radio interview Tuesday, Barak expressed concern that the oil embargo imposed by the European Union Monday would not be sufficient in getting Iran to back down. "In my opinion, we are not there yet," he said.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Monday he also is unsure that the measures will be enough, The Guardian reports.

"Very strong and quick pressure on Iran is necessary," he said. "Sanctions will have to be evaluated on the basis of results. As of today, Iran is continuing to produce nuclear weapons without hindrance."

DEBKAfile reports Barak said sanctions should be imposed sooner than July, when the 27-country oil embargo goes into effect, along with a boycott on Iran's central bank.