Iran deal: US signals it's not going soft, slaps measures on more companies

Howard LaFranchi csmonitor.com In a move designed to convince Congress that a recent nuclear deal does not mean the US is going soft on Iran, the Obama administration on Thursday hit an additional two dozen companies and individuals with punitive measures for aiding Iran’s nuclear program. The designation – for Iranian and foreign companies and individuals found contributing to Iran’s progress in uranium enrichment and evading existing US and international sanctions – comes as the administration tries to head off mounting pressure in Congress for a new round of sanctions against Iran.

The Obama administration maintains that additional sanctions now could drive Iran away from the negotiating table and could scuttle the “first step” deal that the United States and five other world powers reached with Iran last month.