WASHINGTON (JTA) — Iran continues "to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security" of the United States, President Obama said in extending sanctions.
Obama notified Congress on Thursday of his intention to extend by another year sanctions first imposed by President Clinton in 1995. The sanctions ban direct U.S. dealings with Iran’s energy sector and are aimed at having Iran stand down from its suspected nuclear weapons program.
Obama has set in motion efforts to reach out to Iran but has vowed to do so as part of a "carrots and sticks" strategy aimed at inducing cooperation with nuclear inspectors.
