Even as relations between the US and Iran show signs of thawing, the United States has said that it plans to pursue sanctions against Iran.
“We have been clear that only concrete and verifiable steps can offer a path to sanctions relief,” Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman told lawmakers according to AFP .
“Let me assure you that we will continue to vigorously enforce the sanctions that are in place as we explore a negotiated resolution, and will be especially focused on sanctions evasion and efforts by the Iranians to relieve the pressure.”
However, Sherman warned that America’s ability to enforce the sanctions was seriously hampered by the current government shutdown. Earlier this week, the deeply partisan and divided US Congress failed to approve a budget measure shutting down the US Federal Government.
Sherman will lead a US delegation when they meet with Iranian representatives on October 15 in Geneva. Both President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have said that they want Iran to inspire confidence in the international community that it is not building nuclear weapons.
