Iran Glad for Sanction Relief, But Wary of US

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Iran says it welcomes the easing of economic sanctions, but will remain wary of the United States.

Monday, Iran's Defense Minister called the U.S. sanctions “hostile” toward Iran.

The U.S. imposed the new sanctions Sunday against five Iranian nationals and a network of companies with links to banned missile activity. The U.S. Treasury Department said five Iranians worked to get missile parts for Iran. Companies in the United Arab Emirates and China also were involved.

Iran drew anger from the United States and other Western powers last year when Iran tested two ballistic missiles. Iran defended the tests as a matter of national security.

President Barack Obama said the U.S. government will “vigorously” enforce sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile program.

The new sanctions come after economic sanctions were lifted which were tied to Iran’s nuclear program.

Following the lifting of the sanctions, Iran announced an increase in oil production by 500,000 barrels a day. Iran currently produced 3 million barrels per day. About 1 million of the barrels are exported.

I'm Marsha James.

This report was based on information from VOAnews.com. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.

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