US sanctions violate Geneva nuclear deal: Iran

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif Sunday said the new sanctions imposed by Washington on Tehran in some cases violate the agreement reached last year between the Islamic republic and the world powers during the Geneva nuclear talks.

"The measure taken by the US is unconstructive and in contrast with the spirit of the Geneva agreement," Press TV quoted Zarif as saying during a press conference in Tehran.

The minister said the new sanctions would make it more difficult to reach a final comprehensive deal with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- the US, Britain, France, Russia and China -- plus Germany.

On Friday, Washington imposed sanctions on over 25 Iranian individuals and companies, including shipping firms, oil companies, airlines and six banks.

The sanctions came even as Iran and the world powers are in talks to resolve the standoff over the development of nuclear technology by Tehran.

The two sides signed a deal in the Swiss city of Geneva in November 2013, according to which Iran was to suspend some sensitive nuclear activities in exchange for a limited sanction relief.

The agreement entered into force Jan 20 and expired six months later. In July, Iran and the six countries agreed to extend their negotiations until Nov 24 to work out a final accord.

The next round of talks between Iran and the six countries is scheduled to be held in New York in September.