WASHINGTON -- The United States Senate has voted to approve legislation that would allow President Barack Obama to impose sanctions targeting Iran's gasoline suppliers, in a move aimed at pressuring Tehran to curb its nuclear program.
The sanctions would target companies that export gasoline to Iran or help the country's oil refining capacity by, in part, denying them loans and other assistance from U.S. financial institutions.
The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed similar legislation.
Differences between the Senate and House bills will still need to be resolved before the measure can be voted on and signed into law by Obama.
Iran denies allegations it is seeking to develop a nuclear weapon, saying its atomic program is for peaceful purposes only.
compiled from agency reports