Iran responded warned it would “firmly respond” to any extension of sanctions by the U.S., which have been passed by Congress and now awaits President Obama’s signature.
“America’s president is obliged to exercise his authority by preventing its approval and particularly its implementation … and if this gross violation is carried out we will firmly respond,” said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a speech to parliament on Sunday.
The Senate passed legislation Thursday that would extend sanctions on Iran for 10 years, by a vote of 99-0. Before that, the House approved the measure, known as the Iran Sanctions Extension Act, in a 419-1 vote.
The issue for the White House is that the extension of sanctions could be seen as running afoul of its agreement with Iran to stop its nuclear program, which includes curbing international sanctions, though lawmakers from both parties claim the legislation is not a breach of the contract.
A spokesman for Obama said the president is expected to sign the “unnecessary” legislation, expressing concern about Iran’s “destabilizing activities,” but added that he doesn’t believe it would interfere with the agreement.
The Iran Sanctions Act will expire on Dec. 31 without an extension.
