US House Passes New Sanctions on Iran

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed tough new sanctions on Iran, even as the Obama administration eases some of the penalties.

The House Wednesday put further restrictions on Iranian oil exports among other sanctions. They are aimed at cutting off Iranian funding for its suspected nuclear weapons program.

The measure now goes to the Senate.

Last week, the Obama administration eased sanctions on medical and farm supplies and humanitarian aid. It has said it would like to restart talks with Iran as the country gets ready to inaugurate President-elect Hassan Rouhani. Experts consider him to be relatively moderate.