Updated

WASHINGTON -- The United States has renewed sanctions against Syria. The White House says Syria continues to support terrorists and pursue weapons of mass destruction.

President Barack Obama says Syria has made some progress containing terror networks that use Syria to infiltrate Iraq. But he says Syria's policies continue to threaten U.S. national security.

Obama said late Monday that Syria's actions will determine whether U.S. sanctions continue.

U.S.-Syrian ties had been gradually improving. But tensions have risen with the United States accusing Syria of sending weapons to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia that Washington says could lead to a new war in the Middle East. Syria has denied the allegations.