US: Tough Sanctions On Iran Remain Despite Deal

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says it is maintaining tough oil-related sanctions against Iran even though the U.S. and five other world powers signed an initial deal earlier this week to curb Tehran's nuclear program and prevent it developing nuclear weapons.

The White House said in a statement on Friday that there is a sufficient world supply of non-Iranian oil to allow various countries to continue buying less petroleum from Iran.

Secretary of State John Kerry said the determination was evidence that the U.S. will continue to enforce its oil sanctions during the next six months as it works to reach a comprehensive agreement that would prove the Iranian nuclear program is being used for peaceful purposes. Tehran would get relief from some other economic sanctions under terms of the deal.