U.S. President Barack Obama extends sanctions against Iran

The sanctions, prohibiting U.S. companies aiding the development of the Iranian oil industry and halting trade, export/import and investment ties with Iran, were imposed by the Clinton administration and have been extended on an annual basis by successive presidents.   Â

 

They would have expired without Obama’s formal action to extend them.Â

 

"The actions and policies of the government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and the U.S. economy, Obama said in a message to Congress.

 

The sanctions are one portion of the large range of punitive U.S., United Nations and international measures imposed against Iran, for various reasons, including its alleged backing for terrorism and its nuclear ambition.

 

Over more than 20 years, Washington has steadily upped sanctions against Iranian entities in the hope of pressuring Tehran to pull back on its nuclear program -- which the U.S. says is aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

 

The United States says Iran must also halt its alleged support for groups Washington has labeled "terrorist", including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and armed Palestinian groups.

 

Iran also faces U.N. Security Council sanctions over its refusal to freeze uranium enrichment activities, but over the past five years has pressed on with its controversial nuclear work.

 

Obama came to power promising to offer diplomatic engagement to U.S. foes, including Iran, to test if there might be scope for negotiated solutions to conflicts.

 

That was a clear shift from previous president George W. Bush, who rejected talks unless Iran halted uranium enrichment, the process which makes fuel for nuclear power plants but can also be used to produce the core of an atomic bomb.

 

In January, Obama said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us".