U.S. Says Tough Iran Sanctions To Stay

The United States says tough sanctions will remain on Iran despite Tehran and world powers agreeing to a preliminary deal to curb Iran's nuclear program.

But in a statement on November 29, the White House announced that it had extended — for another six months — waivers of U.S. sanctions granted to China, India, South Korea, Turkey, and Taiwan for reducing their imports of oil from Iran. The White House said it was taking the action because there appears to be enough supply of non-Iranian oil to allow foreign countries to continue cutting back purchases of Iranian oil.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the determination was evidence that the United States will continue to enforce its oil sanctions during the next six months as it works to reach a final agreement to prove the Iranian nuclear program is being used for peaceful purposes.

Based on reporting by AP and dpa