US Extends Sanctions Against Iran

US President George W. Bush has ordered the extension of sanctions against Iran, pending an overall review of policy toward the country, the White House said Tuesday.

"The actions and policies of the government of Iran continue to threaten the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," Bush said in the order.

White House National Security Council spokeswoman Mary Countryman said: "The fact that we're renewing them (the sanctions) doesn't limit our policy options with respect to Iran. The administration will be reviewing Iran policy as a whole, but the process has not been completed."

The trade and investment ban, imposed by former president Bill Clinton in 1995, were to expire on Thursday.






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