U.S. President Barack Obama has prolonged unilateral economic sanctions against Iran for another year

U.S. President Barack Obama has prolonged unilateral economic sanctions against Iran for another year, ITAR-TASS reports.
 
In a letter to Congress, Obama said the authorities in Tehran “pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.”

Sanctions imposed under the administration of Bill Clinton on March 15, 1995 prohibit U.S. companies from virtually all financial and economic transactions with Tehran, including any participation in the development of oil and gas fields.
 
Sanctions are resumed annually, although some concessions have been made, with the import of Iranian caviar, pistachio nuts and carpets now permitted.
 
In contrast to his predecessor George Bush, Obama has repeatedly made it clear that he is ready for dialogue with Tehran on a number of issues - from nuclear ambitions to assistance in Afghanistan. At the same time, he has repeatedly emphasized that America and its allies will make every effort to stop Iran getting nuclear weapons.