'Will soon be increased, substantially': Trump warns Iran of more stringent sanctions

Washington: President Donald Trump warned Wednesday that sanctions against Iran would soon be "increased substantially" after Tehran said it had exceeded a limit on enriched uranium reserves under a 2015 nuclear deal abandoned by Washington.

"Iran has long been secretly 'enriching,' in total violation of the terrible 150 Billion Dollar deal made by John Kerry and the Obama Administration," Trump said on Twitter.

"Remember, that deal was to expire in a short number of years. Sanctions will soon be increased, substantially!" Iran announced on Monday it had surpassed 4.5 per cent uranium enrichment -- above the 3.67 per cent limit under the accord -- though still far below the 90 per cent necessary for military purposes.