US: Tough sanctions on Iran remain despite deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration said on Friday that it was maintaining tough oil-related sanctions against Iran even though the U.S. and five other world powers have signed an initial deal with Tehran to curb its nuclear program and prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

President Barack Obama has forcefully defended the interim agreement and has asked Congress not to impose new sanctions on Iran while a final, more comprehensive agreement can be negotiated. While pleading with Congress not to “close the door on diplomacy,” Obama has emphasized that crippling economic sanctions imposed on Iran have not been eased.