The White House says President Barack Obama suspended sanctions on Iran's oil sector for six months.

"The United States has committed to pause efforts to further reduce Iran's crude oil sales for a six month period under the Joint Plan of Action between the 5+1 and Iran," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said, Press TV reported.

He was referring to Iran's nuclear deal with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany in November 2013.

Iran's accord with the world powers, which went into effect on January 20, is aimed at setting the stage for the full resolution of the decade-old standoff over the Islamic Republic's peaceful nuclear energy program.

SS