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Congress passes anti-Iran sanctions, but they are not what Trump wants

THE US Congress has passed sanctions in response to Iran's support for Hezbollah in two bills that represent the first action from Congress against Tehran since President Donald Trump refused to certify that it was complying with the nuclear pact, reported Bloomberg.

But President Trump demanded a tougher stance from Congress that could include renegotiating or pulling out of the terms of the pact called the "Joint Plan of Comprehensive Action".

The House legislation doesn't meet Trump's request for triggers that would automatically reimpose sanctions unless Iran meets a list of demands, including to curb its ballistic missile programme.

Iranian officials have said there is no room to renegotiate the pact. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said last week Iran wouldn't move first to abandon the nuclear deal but "will tear it to pieces" if the US violates its side of the agreement.

This bill also imposes additional sanctions on individuals or entities that help Iran develop ballistic missiles and other conventional weapons, but doesn't apply to any nuclear activity.

Iran's listing as a state sponsor of terrorism is based on its support of Hezbollah. The House also adopted a resolution to express appreciation for the European Union in countering Hezbollah's "criminal and terrorist activities".