Iran requests meeting with world powers on US sanctions

Iran is calling for a meeting with the commission overseeing the implementation of the international nuclear deal reached last year with global leaders.

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif sent a letter to European Union foreign policy chief Frederica Mogherini requesting the meeting, Iran’s official news agency said Saturday, according to Reuters.

The letter comes after the Senate earlier this month passed legislation extending U.S. sanctions on Iran for a decade. The White House said Thursday that the legislation would become law without President Obama’s signature.

{mosads}Tehran has called the extension a violation of the 2015 nuclear accord, which provided sanctions relief in exchange for new limits on the country’s nuclear program.

The White House has maintained that with the passing of the legislation the U.S. is still in compliance with the nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

Iran responded to the sanctions legislation by telling its scientists on Tuesday to begin drawing up plans for nuclear-powered ships, Reuters reported.