Carter reaffirms intent for Iranian sanctions

President Carter has reaffirmed that he will press for sanctions against Iran for holding the American hostages, which he termed and "abhorrent" and "cruel" act by "a group of terrorists."

The President told the NBC News television panel "Meet the Press" Sunday that economics sanctions "will be pursued unilaterally" by the United States and supported, he hoped, by as many US allies as possible, despite the common interest the US and Iran have in meeting the threat from Soviet troops in Afghanistan.

Defending his decision to forgo use of US military force up to now to free the hostages, Mr. Carter said this would have resulted in the death of the hostages and world codemnation.