Bush extends Iran sanctions

Bush, in a notice to Congress about his executive order, said "the crisis" between the United States and Iran that led to the initial declaration on March 15, 1995, "has not been resolved."

The United States is pushing for the UN Security Council to take a tough approach toward Iran to rein in its nuclear ambitions.

The Bush administration suspects Iran of using its nuclear programme to develop a bomb, but Iran denies that accusation and says its programme is for civilian purposes.

In his message to Congress on the continuation of bilateral sanctions, Bush said, "The actions and policies of the government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States."