(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama on Thursday urged Congress not to add sanctions against Iran, as the US and other world powers are seeking a deal on Iran’s controversial nuclear program, in order to avoid unpredictable consequences.

US President Barack Obama goes against tightening Iran's sanctions. (Photo: Reuters)

Obama said in a White House press conference that there was no need to add new sanctions against Iran because the sanctions already in place have been strong enough to cripple Iran’s economy, forcing it back to negotiations. Obama asked Congress to give Iran the chance to show its willingness to address the nuclear issues diplomatically. However, the President is still keen on major sanctions that affect Iran’s economy the most and warned of ramped sanctions in case Iran was not serious about its nuclear issue.

Several legislators, especially the Republicans, expressed their discontent at Obama’s call, saying his administration was yielding in negotiations with Iran which might threaten the security of the US’s ally, Israel.