Kerry advises against hitting Iran with more sanctions now

Washington, Feb 25: Secretary of State John Kerry says slapping Iran with additional sanctions right now would not be helpful.

In testimony yesterday before a Senate panel, Kerry says he'd prefer to wait and see how implementation of the landmark nuclear deal goes before making a decision on imposing additional measures to punish Tehran for belligerent behavior.

Lawmakers are considering legislation that would address Iran's ballistic missile tests, human rights violations and a reauthorization of the Iran Sanctions Act.

Republicans are especially incensed over Iran's detention last month of US sailors. The longstanding Iran Sanctions Act will expire at the end of the year. Kerry says a reauthorization of the sanctions act could be quickly passed.

Senetor Lindsey Graham, the panel's Republican chairman, is one of several Republicans who support stricter sanctions.

AP