19 January, 2016
Iran says it welcomes the easing of economic sanctions, but will remain wary of the United States.
Monday, Iran's Defense Minister called the U.S. sanctions "hostile" toward Iran.
The U.S. imposed the new sanctions Sunday against five Iranian nationals and a network of companies with links to banned missile activity. The U.S. Treasury Department said five Iranians worked to get missile parts for Iran. Companies in the United Arab Emirates and China also were involved.
Sedjeel, an Iranian made ballistic missile, is showcased during an annual military parade in Tehran, Iran, Sept, 22, 2013.
Iran drew anger from the United States and other Western powers last year when Iran tested two ballistic missiles. Iran defended the tests as a matter of national security.
President Barack Obama said the U.S. government will "vigorously" enforce sanctions against Iran's ballistic missile program.
The new sanctions come after economic sanctions were lifted which were tied to Iran's nuclear program.
Following the lifting of the sanctions, Iran announced an increase in oil production by 500,000 barrels a day. Iran currently produced 3 million barrels per day. About 1 million of the barrels are exported.
I'm Marsha James.
This report was based on information from VOAnews. Jim Dresbach adapted the story for Learning English. Kathleen Struck was the editor.
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Words in This Story
network - n. a group of people or organizations that work with each other; a system of computers and other devices that are connected to each other
matter - n. something that is being done or talked about
wary - adj. not having or showing complete trust in someone or something
sanction – n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country
ballistic missile – n. a weapon that is shot through the sky over a great distance and then falls to the ground and explodes
vigorously – adv. done with great force and energy