US set to extend Iran sanctions relief under nuclear deal

The Trump administration is poised to extend sanctions relief to Iran under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal even as the White House seeks ways to find Tehran is not complying with the agreement.

world Updated: Sep 14, 2017 14:52 IST

Associated Press, Washington

The picture shows a heavy water nuclear facility near Arak. Iran and six world powers reached a landmark nuclear deal on July 14, 2015 meant to place long-term verifiable limits on nuclear programs that Tehran could modify to make atomic arms. (AP File Photo)

The Trump administration is poised to extend sanctions relief to Iran under the landmark 2015 nuclear deal even as the White House seeks ways to find Tehran is not complying with the agreement.

Administration officials say President Donald Trump is likely to extend sanctions waivers first issued by the Obama administration by a Thursday deadline. However, the officials say Trump remains determined to “decertify” Iranian compliance by an October deadline; a finding that could jeopardize further sanctions relief. The officials were not authorized to discuss internal deliberations and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The UN atomic watchdog earlier this month said Iran is complying with the accord. But Iran deal opponents inside and outside the administration argue Tehran is at the least violating the spirit of the agreement.