Senate unites to limit president's powers in lifting existing penalties

BEIJING - As the US Senate passed new sanctions against Russia on Thursday, the new legislation will possibly fan the flames of already tumultuous Washington politics and make rapprochement between the former Cold War foes, something President Donald Trump desires, even more difficult to achieve.

The legislation, an amendment to sanctions on Iran, is aimed at restricting Teheran's ballistic missile programs and punishing it for "supporting terrorism".