Obama renews US sanctions on Iran

By GottaLaff

Extending a hand? Nope. Extending sanctions? Yep:

US President Barack Obama has extended sanctions against Iran for one year, saying it continues to pose a threat to US national security.

In a message to the US Congress, Mr Obama said Iran was acting contrary to US interests in the region.

The sanctions, which ban US companies from trading or investing with Iran, have been renewed annually since 1995.[...]

Although the Obama administration is reviewing its policy towards Iran, not extending the sanctions would have constituted a major break with the past, says BBC state department correspondent Kim Ghattas in Washington.

Mr Obama has talked of engagement with Iran but has not made clear how that might take place.

Shortly after coming to office in January, Mr Obama said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us".