Kerry warns fresh sanctions against Iran could risk nuke deal

The US Secretary has stated to a Senate banking committee that the US might lose negotiating partners, if it imposed economic penalties on Iran

United States Secretary John Kerry has warned the lawmakers that any new sanctions against Iran could put talks over Tehran's nuclear programme at risk.

Kerry stated to a Senate banking committee that the US might lose negotiating partners, if it imposed economic penalties on Iran, the BBC reports.

The statement came after there were reports that both the Republicans and the Democrats argued over a new round of sanctions targeting the oil and banking industries of Iran, which could serve as a bargain in finalizing the talks.

Last weekend, the media reported that Iran and world powers had come "extremely close" to a deal on Tehran's nuclear programme.

Kerry reiterated that the differences between the P5+1 and Iran over its nuclear programme are not big enough to prevent agreement.

The negotiators are due to meet again on 20 November in Geneva for considering to put on offer some relief to Tehran from sanctions in exchange for nuclear concessions.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration offered Iran some of its frozen overseas assets, if the country agrees to a deal.

The U.S., however, insisted that the strictest restrictions will remain in place until Iran conclusively proves that it is not trying to develop nuclear weapons.