DHAKA: The United States has extended for six months waivers on Iran sanctions to Japan and 10 countries of the European Union in exchange for their reduced petroleum purchases from the Islamic republic.

US state secretary John Kerry said on Friday, reports The Jerusalem Post.

The sanctions aim to choke funding to Iran’s disputed nuclear program by reducing the country’s oil sales, its main source of income.

Washington believes Iran’s nuclear programme is seeking the ability to make weapons, but Tehran says it is only for generating electricity and medical purposes.

BDST: 2007 HRS, SEPT 07, 2013
RoR/RIS