US: Iran lashing out to "distract" from sanctions

The White House says Iran is lashing out at the world to "distract attention" from the damage that international sanctions are having at home.

Iran is claiming that it has achieved two major advances in its nuclear fuel program. Iran state media also reports steps to cut oil exports to six European countries in retaliation for new European Union sanctions, including a ban on Iranian oil. White House press secretary Jay Carney says such "defiant acts" show that Iran's leaders are under pressure. (AP)