Trump 'set to extend Iran sanctions relief'

US officials say President Donald Trump has decided to extend sanctions relief for Iran after meeting with his security team.

MENA

1 min read

The New Arab

12 January, 2018

President Donald Trump will announce the decision on Friday morning [AFP]

US President Donald Trump will extend sanctions relief given to Iran as part of the 2015 nuclear accord, according to US officials.

Officials who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity said that Trump decided to extend the sanctions relief for 120 days after meeting with his security advisers.

The decision was made ahead of a deadline on Friday for the extension of the waiver. Trump is expected to announce the decision mid-morning on Friday, according to reports.

Trump has been railing against the Iran deal since before he was elected in November last year, calling it "one of the worst" in US history, and warned America could leave it "at any time".

In October, Trump unveiled an aggressive new strategy towards Iran when he announced he would not re-certify the landmark 2015 nuclear accord.

Earlier this week, a US official said that even if nuclear linked sanctions are waived by the US, the Trump administration may impose new measures targeting Iranian businesses and individuals.