LONDON (AP) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says businesses shouldn't use the U.S. and its sanctions against Iran as an excuse not to do business there.
Kerry is speaking to American journalists while in London. He says companies are using the U.S. as an excuse when they have other reasons to avoid the Islamic Republic.
Kerry says the U.S. is telling European banks and others that with the nuclear deal in place, Iran is open for business, with the exception of specific entities that are still sanctioned, including Iran's Revolutionary Guard. He says banks can open accounts for Iran, lend money and facilitate legitimate transactions.
Foreign businesses and countries have said they're concerned about running afoul of remaining U.S. sanctions, including a ban on Iran accessing the U.S. financial system.