Speaking in Washington with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Defense Minister Ehud Barak stressed that Iran is not only Israel�s enemy, but an enemy of the United States and Western nations too, seeking to attack American interests in the region.

Earlier in the day, a State Department spokesman P.J. Crosley released a message indicating the administration would not be pushing for such sanctions, seemingly adopting a position in line with the Russians. �It is not our intent to have crippling sanctions�, indicating American opposes such a move which may negatively impact the Iranian people.

Earlier in the week, Barak met with UN Secretary-General Bank ki-Moon, warning that a nuclear Iran would shift the area�s balance of power. The UN leader agreed with Barak and supports Israel�s position.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)