Obama vows to continue sanctions on Iran

WASHINGTON, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Citing Iran "contrary" to U.S. interests, President Barack Obama said Wednesday that the United States will continue sanctions set by the previous administrations on Iran.

In a letter to U.S. Congress, President Obama told lawmakers that he has decided to make the National Emergency on Iran, which will be expired on March 15, continue in effect for one year.

"The actions and policies of the Government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," said Obama in the letter.