ILNA: US President Barack Obama urged hardliners in Congress to give talks between Iran and world powers a chance to succeed, dpa reported."There is no need for new sanctions legislation - not yet," he said in a year-end press conference at the White House.
"It is very important for us to test whether thats possible, not because its guaranteed, but because the alternative is possibly us having to engage in some sort of conflict to resolve the problem, with all kinds of unintended consequences," Obama said.
He reiterated long-stanging US policy of "keeping all options on the table" with Iran.
"But I sure would rather do it diplomatically," he said. "And I would think that would be the preference of everybody up on Capitol Hill, because that sure is the preference of the American people."
The measure in Congress would put new restrictions on Iranian petroleum purchases and institute new penalties on the Iranian economy, including the engineering, mining and construction sectors.
If violations occur or the process fails, the international community can easily "turn the dials back, strengthen sanctions even further. Ill work with members of Congress to put even more pressure on Iran," Obama said. "But theres no reason to do it right now."
By ILNA
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