A new report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirms what we have suspected for some time now – that Iran is working feverishly to build nuclear weapons. And, according to the IAEA report, posted here, Iran has been in high gear on this project for a decade now.

This is the same country that continues to threaten Israel – Iran repeatedly promising to wipe Israel off of the map. And, now, Iranian President Ahmadinejad rejects the IAEA findings calling them absurd and says Iran won’t back down on its nuclear program “one iota.”

With this new evidence, there is new and growing concern in Israel, where a top Israeli official makes it clear that “Iran is our central threat.” This has prompted the Israeli government to focus even more keenly on protecting their nation and people. Israel’s defense minister warned of a possible Israeli military strike against Iran’s nuclear program. That possibility brought even more threats from Iran which says if it is attacked by Israel, it will retaliate and start a ‘street war’ in Tel Aviv. One news report suggests that Iran has been preparing Palestinian terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon to retaliate in the case of Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuke sites.

One Iranian official also warns that Iran would strike out beyond Israel if Iran is attacked. “Iranian forces will fight with the enemies with maximum might and power all throughout the European and US soil, if Iran comes under attack,” the Iranian official threatened. Another Iranian official went even further: “You also should not forget that American commanders have plenty of presence and travel in the region. If you kill any of us, we will kill dozens of you,” he warned.

Here’s where we stand. It’s a critical time. The United States must step up and put more pressure on Iran. We’ve had sanctions in place for years, but now is the time to implement new and damaging sanctions against Iran’s military, as well as its economic and energy industries.

That’s why we’re supporting several pieces of legislation introduced in Congress. Here’s a summary of the legislation that places greater sanctions on Iran. Strong bi-partisan measures in both the Senate and House. We can’t afford to stand idly by and watch Iran develop its nuclear arsenal.

Take a moment and sign on to our Petition to Defend Israel, Sanction Iran for Nuclear Weapons. This is the time for action. Please sign on today.

Jay Sekulow