WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama said on Thursday he was extending sanctions against Iran as it continued to pose an ‘extraordinary threat’ to the national security, foreign policy and economy of the United States. Obama declared the routine extension of economic sanctions imposed by former President Bill Clinton in March 1995 in a public notice. ‘I am continuing for one year the national emergency with respect to Iran,’ he said.
| Sounds like Bambi got a briefing from an adult today ... |
In a change of policy from the Bush administration, Obama has said he would be open to engaging with Iran on a range of issues, from its nuclear ambitions to how it could help in Afghanistan, where NATO-led forces are struggling against a worsening insurgency. The Obama administration intends to invite Teheran to an international conference on Afghanistan, which borders Iran, planned for this month. Iran has said it is prepared to consider the invitation.
The United States, however, is still at loggerheads with Iran over its nuclear program, which Washington says is aimed at building atomic weapons, while Teheran insists it is for the peaceful generation of electricity. |