On Sunday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced that it was imposing sanctions on 11 people and companies involved in Iran's ballistic missile program.
In a speech delivered from the White House, President Barack Obama hailed the beginning of the implementation of the historic Iran Nuclear Deal. But he reassured Americans that even though his government has lifted sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, sanctions for other violations remain in place. These sanctions and the new ones will continue to be enforced vigorously.
"Iran's recent missile test, for example, was a violation of its international obligations. And as a result, the United States is imposing sanctions on individuals and companies working to advance Iran's ballistic missile program. And we are going to remain vigilant about it."
President Obama made the remarks after three American citizens released by Tehran had left Iran on board a chartered plane as part of a prisoner swap.
Obama hailed the release a major development.
"Today, we're united in welcoming home sons and husbands and brothers who, in lonely prison cells, have endured an absolute nightmare."
In addition, the United States and Iran have also resolved a financial dispute that dated back more than three decades. The U.S. is going to repay Iran a 400 million dollar debt that it had held since the two countries severed diplomatic ties in 1981, plus 1.3 billion dollars in interest.
Xiaohong, CRI, Washington DC.
