Panetta: Iran has uranium for 2 bombs

           CIA Director Leon Panetta said Sunday that Iran probably has enough low-enriched uranium for two nuclear weapons, but that it likely would take two years to build the bombs. Panetta told ABC television's "This Week" that he is doubtful that recent UN penalties will put an end to Iran's nuclear ambitions. He said the penalties could help to weaken Tehran's government by creating serious economic problems. But he added, "Will it deter them from their ambitions with regards to nuclear capability? Probably not." Panetta commented that there is "some debate" as to whether Iran will proceed with the bomb. Asked about a potential Israeli military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Panetta said he thinks Israel is giving the US room on the diplomatic and political fronts. CIA director Leon Panetta also spoke Sunday about North Korea and said that he doesn't think the skirmishes involving North Korea will lead to a military confrontation on the Korean peninsula. International investigators concluded last month that North Korea torpedoed a South Korean warship near the Korean sea border. North Korea has denied the allegation and warned any punishment would trigger war. Panetta told ABC television's "This Week" that for many years, "we've been going through these kinds of provocations and skirmishes with a rogue regime." Panetta said that in the end, "they always back away from the brink and I think they'll do that now." He said the attack could be related to who might succeed North Korean leader Kim Jong Il — possibly his youngest son.(23,16)