U.S. slaps new sanctions on Iran

By Sue Pleming

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States slapped new sanctions on Iran and accused its Revolutionary Guard of spreading weapons of mass destruction on Thursday but Russian President Vladimir Putin said such moves only forced Tehran into a corner over its nuclear program.

Also labelling Iran's Qods military force a supporter of terrorism, Washington imposed sanctions on more than 20 Iranian companies, banks and individuals as well as the defence ministry, hoping to increase pressure on Tehran to stop uranium enrichment and curb its "terrorist" activities.

"Today, Secretary Paulson and I are announcing several new steps to increase the costs to Iran of its irresponsible behaviour," said Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who made the announcement alongside Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.

The moves were controversial at home as well as abroad.

Several Democratic presidential candidates, though not front-runner Hillary Clinton, said they were worried the White House had begun a march to war.

"I am deeply concerned that once again the president is opting for military action as a first resort," said Connecticut Senator Christopher Dodd, a long-shot Democratic candidate.

Clinton, a New York senator, issued a statement backing the sanctions.

It is the first time the United States has sought to take such punitive measures against another country's military. Russia and some other U.S. allies believe dialogue rather than more punishment or military action is the way forward.