US maintains Iran nuclear deal sanctions relief

United States has decided not to reimpose sanctions on Iran's nuclear program despite President Donald Trump's criticism of the deal Tehran signed with the previous US administration. 

However, while the waiver on the nuclear-related sanctions was renewed, the US Treasury imposed new measures to punish Iranian defense officials and a Chinese business tied to Tehran's missile program. 

The decision not to renew sanctions came just two days before Iran is due to go to



the polls and may prove a boost for President Hassan Rouhani, who signed the deal and is seeking re-election.

Under the terms of the 2015 deal, the previous US administration of President Barack Obama agreed to waive sanctions on Iran's nuclear program in return for strict controls to prevent its developing a bomb.

In return, Iran pledged to restrict its nuclear activities, reducing its uranium enrichment, plutonium production plans, and allowing inspectors access to facilities.