Iran threatens action if Obama signs bill to extend sanctions

Iran is threatening counter action if Obama signs a bill passed by Congress that extends sanctions on the Islamic Republic by another decade. 

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani demanded Sunday that US President Barack Obama not sign an extension of US sanctions, saying the bill is a violation of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.

On Thursday the US Senate voted to extend the Iran Sanctions Act by 10 years. Speaking in an open session of Iran’s parliament Sunday, Rouhani said Obama is “obliged” to let the sanctions expire.

The nuclear agreement between Iran and six world powers lifted a variety of international sanctions in exchange for limitations on the Iranian nuclear program. However, the US maintains its own separate set of sanctions, which will expire on December 31 if Obama does not sign the extension into law.

Rouhani promised a “prompt response” from Iran if the US sanctions are extended.

“We are committed to an acceptable implementation of the deal, but in response to non-commitment, violation or hesitation in its implementation, we will act promptly,” he said.

By: AP