The Associated Press
By MARJORIE OLSTER
The draconian sanctions have wreaked havoc on the Iranian economy and weighed heavily in the June 14 vote for Hasan Rowhani (hah-SAHN’ roh-HAH’-nee), who openly criticized how his country’s leadership has handled the nuclear issue.
Rowhani’s election has opened a debate in the U.S. on whether it’s time to ease sanctions and see whether Tehran shifts away from what the U.S. believes is the pursuit of a nuclear weapon. It also has set off intense discussions among government agencies on how to proceed with Iran, according to U.S. officials not authorized to speak publicly on the issue.