Washington, Mar. 13: Expressing its fears that Iran''s nuclear program is a cover to build atomic weapons, the Obama administration has extended sanctions imposed on that country for one more year.

Tehran claims that it is enriching uranium to produce nuclear energy for civilian purposes.

Citing a continued "unusual and extraordinary threat to U. S. national security," President Obama on Thursday extended sanctions against Iran for one year in a public notice, reports Fox News.

It is unclear how Iran will respond to the move. The United States severed diplomatic ties with Iran during the hostage crisis nearly 30 years ago at the U. S. Embassy in Tehran, but Obama has signaled a willingness to pursue a dialogue with the country, particularly over its nuclear program.

The policy affirmed by Obama on Thursday began with an executive order by President Clinton on March 15, 1995. Since then, the White House has renewed it every year. (ANI)