The US House of Representatives yesterday endorsed a legislation to punish suppliers of goods or services for Iran's weapons programs.

The Iran Freedom Support Act, passed the House by voice vote, will sanction any entity that contributes to Iran's ability to build chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, unless U.S. president waives those sanctions on the basis of vital national interest.

The Senate is expected to follow suit quickly so that U.S. President George W. Bush can sign it into law within this week.

The legislation will formalize existing economic sanctions against Iran that have been in effect since 1979 and says that the United States shall not reach agreements with governments that are assisting Iran's nuclear program or transferring weapons or missiles to Iran.