Sputnik News- The United States extended the national emergency with respect to Iran.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) � The United States extended the national emergency with respect to Iran, President Barack Obama told the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Paul Ryan, in a letter on Thursday.

"Our relations with Iran have not yet returned to normal," Obama stated. "I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency." The emergency, originally declared in November 1979, will last for an additional year, according to the letter.

In July, more than 75 politicians and diplomats sent a letter to Obama urging Washington to improve ties with Tehran.