U.S. Treasury official on Iran sanctions: ‘We are intent on doing more.’

WASHINGTON (JTA) — A senior United States Treasury Department official said in Israel that more can be done to place financial pressure on Iran and the U.S. is “intent on doing more.” 

David Cohen, U.S. undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, told Israel Army Radio Monday that “sanctions are having an impact on Iran, but I also recognize that more needs to be done.”

Cohen, who is in Israel for discussions with senior Israeli security officials, also was interviewed by the Israeli daily Haaretz. “The objective is to bring about a strategic change with regard to the nuclear program, and I recognize that more needs to be done and we intend to do that,” he told the paper.

Cohen, who coordinates U.S. sanctions policy, is set to hold talks with Mossad chief Tamir Pardo; Israel Defense Forces Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Aviv Kochavi; national security adviser Yaakov Amidror and Bank of Israel Governor Stanley Fischer during his visit to Israel. 

Cohen intends to discuss a new slate of sanctions on the Iranian regime for its refusal to stop its nuclear program. 

He said the U.S. will continue to work with Israel and other partners in order to increase pressure on Iran.

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