Panetta expresses concern over regional spillover of Syria conflict

           US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says the continued exchange of artillery fire between Syria and Turkey raises additional concerns that the conflict may escalate and spread to neighboring countries. Panetta said the United States is using its diplomatic channels to relay worries about the fighting in the hopes that it will not broaden. His comments came on the heels of warnings from Turkey's prime minister that his country is not far from war with Syria. Turkish and Syrian forces traded artillery fire on Saturday as rebels clashed with President Bashar Assad's forces near the border, heightening fears that the crisis could erupt into a regional conflict. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday cautioned Damascus not to test Turkey's "limits and determination." He warned that Turkey is no bluffing in saying it will not tolerate such acts. On Iran, Panetta warned that the international community is ready to impose more sanctions against Tehran if the country does not begin to address concerns about its nuclear program. Panetta said recent protests in Iran are proof that the sanctions are having a significant impact on the country's economy. He made the remarks at a joint news conference with his Peruvian counterpart.