Guest views are now limited to 12 pages. If you get an "Error" message, just sign in! If you need to create an account, click here.

Jump to content
  • CRYPTO REWARDS!

    Full endorsement on this opportunity - but it's limited, so get in while you can!

Iranian official calls for negotiations with Washington in Iraq


yota691
 Share

Recommended Posts

Iran to lay off more than 66,000 employees in 2018

Iran to lay off more than 66,000 employees in 2018
 



 Twilight News    
 43 minutes ago

Shafaq News / Iranian authorities have evacuated more than 66 thousand employees in 2018 because of austerity measures, according to ISNA news agency quoted official data.

The agency said that the dismissals included 14 ministries to date, led by the Ministry of Education.

She pointed out that the number of employees laid off from the education sector amounted to 35 thousand, explaining that the layoffs will include other ministries.

It should be noted that the dependence of the Iranian economy on oil and gas exports, and the weakness of the private sector, created a convincing unemployment in the state departments.

Keywords: 

  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Japan Petroleum Association: Our country will continue to buy Iran's oil until November

12:10 - 24/01/2019

 
image
 
 


Follow - up - News balance 
Takashi Tsokioka chairman of the Japan Petroleum Association said on Thursday that Japanese refiners will continue to buy oil from Iran until March after it received an exemption from US sanctions on imports of crude in November. 
Japan resumed oil shipments from Iran this month after Fuji Oil and Shua Shell carried shipments to a tanker expected to arrive in Japan on Feb. 9. 
Tsukioka said Japan's oil refining sector will continue to ask the government to seek to extend the exemption from US sanctions after the initial 180-day exemption expires in May.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Iran responds to threats from France

Iran responds to threats from France
 
 



 Twilight News    
 2 hours ago

The Iranian Foreign Ministry responded on Friday to threats by its French counterpart to impose sanctions on Tehran.

"Iran's missile capabilities are part of the legitimate defense capabilities and a guarantee of Iran's national security based on deterrence," Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasimi said on Tuesday.

He added that Iran "always calls for the restoration of peace and stability in the region and that the intensive sale of complex and offensive weapons by the United States and some European countries, including France, is an element of destabilization and balance in the region."

"Iran has designed its defense capabilities on the basis of a real assessment of existing threats and will strengthen them to a level that is necessary," he said.

France has said it is ready to impose more sanctions against Iran if no progress is made in talks on the ballistic missile program.

"We are firmly prepared to impose sanctions if the talks do not produce results, and they (in reference to the Iranians) know this," French Foreign Minister Jean-Louis Le Duran said on Friday.

Three diplomats, who earlier confirmed to Reuters that France, Britain and other countries in the European Union, is considering imposing new economic sanctions against Tehran.

They said the sanctions could include freezing assets and banning travel to the Revolutionary Guard, which is working to develop Iran's ballistic missile program.

Keywords: 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
Saturday 19 January 2019
 
 
 
50636679_520325611782667_543594064826597376_n.jpg
 

 

Special: Books - Saad Abdul Aziz:

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Jawad Zarif, visited Iraq recently and had previously visited India at the head of a high-level political and economic delegation.

On the Iranian diplomatic moves and the strengthening of cooperation with Baghdad and New Delhi, the Iranian Diplomacy website held a dialogue with the international economist and professor of the University of Alama Tabatabai, Mehdi Taqwi.

Iraq and India are the most important trading partners of Iran ..

"There is no doubt that Tehran must invest all opportunities and opportunities to make the most of it, especially under US economic sanctions," he said. "India and Iraq are the top priorities of Iran's efforts to counter these sanctions. Considering that "Iraq" and "India" is one of the most important trading partners of "Iran", where the volume of exports of "Iran" of oil and condensate gas, to "India", about 10 billion dollars, and the same figure for the exports of "Iran" Of goods and services, to "Iraq", and the two countries share that they are exempt from the "US sanctions" imposed on "Iran", and this is an appropriate opportunity for "Iran" to strengthen economic relations with the two countries, as "Iran" Cruel.2851124-e1547903285696.jpg

India to be cautious about Iran

The purpose of Zarif's visit to India and Iraq is to "strengthen" the aim of Iran's use of all its capabilities and capabilities to counter US sanctions by strengthening cooperation with Iraq, India, Qatar, Turkey and other neighboring countries.

He explains that India, while seeking to strengthen relations with Iran, is very cautious about Tehran because of US sanctions. If the European Union's financial mechanism is not formed, "New Delhi" will certainly reconsider the determination of the ceiling of trade relations with "Iran", so it is no substitute for the "European Union" and its financial mechanism.

Activation of the European financial mechanism has not yet taken place ..

The Iranian efforts to activate the European financial mechanism have not succeeded so far, and therefore Tehran is seeking other solutions besides those efforts, including cooperation with traditional partners such as Iraq, India, China, Russia, "in the framework of the development of economic relations, and have now been positive discussions on the development and expansion of areas of cooperation between" New Delhi "and" Tehran, "especially in the port (Gabhar), such as the investment of Indians in the" petrochemical sector " For the sale of "Iranian oil" to "India" and other areas; Commodities between "India, Afghanistan and Iran".

Exploitation of Iraq to circumvent US sanctions

The visit of Iran's foreign minister, Zarif, to Iraq, headed by a large delegation of heads of more than 50 Iranian companies, is an attempt by his country to "circumvent" US sanctions through the Wall Street Journal. The gate of "Iraq", two days after the visit of US Secretary of State, "Mike Pompeo", "Baghdad", amid news of Washington's request to freeze the activity of 67 armed factions of militias loyal to "Iran."

Baghdad .. Between the hammer of Washington and Sadan Tehran ..

Zarif's visit came a week after a visit by senior Iranian energy officials to Baghdad to discuss boosting energy links and maintaining the flow of Iranian gas to Iraq, accounting for about 40 percent of the country's electricity needs. , Referring to the fierce competition between "Iran" and "the United States" to influence the Iraqi policy and the market share of its economy.

The newspaper pointed out that the visit of "Zarif" to "Baghdad" came after the visit of US Secretary of Energy, "Rick Perry," to Baghdad, in order to convince Iraqi officials to stop buying "Iranian gas" to generate electricity, and the use of US companies to develop the energy system in the " Iraq".

Last month, Washington gave Iraq permission to buy Iranian gas for 90 days after Baghdad pledged to buy US energy technology.

"Some like the United States are trying to create obstacles to expanding relations and cooperation between Iraq and Iran, but they failed to do so," he said.

"Abdul Mahdi": the dissolution of the militias purely Iraqi decision!

According to the newspaper, Iraqi officials oppose sanctions in principle, but reluctantly adhere to them to avoid "American sanctions," but at the same time, they are unable to neutralize "Iran" as having great influence in the country.

The Iraqi Prime Minister, "Adel Abdul-Mahdi," the existence of a US request to freeze dozens of militias and the withdrawal of weapons from them, stressing that this file is purely Iraqi.

While other sources confirmed that the list includes the military wing of the "Badr", led by "Hadi al-Ameri," who heads the bloc (Fatah), and the (Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades), and the (Abu Abdal al-Abbas), and "Asaib Ahl al-Haq"; Led by "Qais al-Khazali". It also includes (Saria al-Salam), belonging to the Sadrist movement, and (the Brigades of martyrs) and the movement of (Hezbollah), and the Brigades (Imam Ali) and (Jund al-Imam) and (Saraya Khorasani) and (Saraya Jihad) and (Ansar Aqeedah) Saraya Ashura supporters); affiliated with the Islamic Supreme Council, the Masri Movement, the Abbas Military Brigade, and others.

In a press conference, "Abdul Mahdi" that talk about an American deadline to resolve (the popular crowd) is incorrect, which represents "purely Iraqi order."

Iran's ambitions in Iraq ..

According to channel (Sky News Arab); The visit of Iranian Foreign Minister, "Jawad Zarif," to "Iraq" Tehran's pursuit of continuing to destroy the Iraqi economy and achieve the agenda of the Iranian regime in economic and political hegemony over "Mesopotamia."

Zarif called for giving Iranian companies priority in the process of "rebuilding Iraq" after the end of the fighting against the organization (Daqash), during a rare meeting with leaders of the factions (popular crowd).

Last year, the Iraqi government said that the 10-year reconstruction plan would cost an estimated $ 88.2 billion, which amounts to the saliva of Tehran in light of the economic crisis that has come after the imposition of "the United States" on her.

Iraq is just a consumer of Iranian goods ..

Despite the fact that the recent elections in Iraq have shown a decline in the popularity of pro-Tehran parties, economic dominance is still rooted. Iran is Iraq's first trading partner.

"Iraq" now imports only about 72 percent of Iranian goods, which are characterized by high cost and low quality, according to economists.

Some estimates indicate that the volume of trade between Iraq and Iran in 2005 was only $ 1 billion, rising rapidly to more than $ 20 billion in 2017. In February 2015, Iran "Baghdad, to cancel the control of Iranian exports to" Iraq "at the border crossings; under the pretext of facilitating the movement of trade, turning the country into a platform for Iranian goods at the expense of local goods, at the expense of trade with Arab countries.

The theft of Iraqi oil ..download-5.jpg

Iran has also managed to control 123 oil fields in the border areas between the two countries. Iranian officials admitted that their country's production of "common fields" oil is 13,000 barrels per day and 68,000 barrels of them are produced in fields that the government has not been able to produce. Iraq's development so far with the approval of former Prime Minister, "Nuri al-Maliki."

Iranian imperialist domination of Iraq

Commenting on that Iranian hegemony, the adviser of the Iraqi Center for Studies, "d. Ghazi Faisal Hussein ":" There is a network of political parties and political leaders and corrupt institutions associated with Iranian companies and banks, so this network produced the dominance of Iranian regional imperialism on Iraq, and thus must be liquidated and dismantled these economic and political networks corrupt between Iraq and Tehran.

"US companies should help Iraq free itself from its energy needs from Iran," he said in an interview with Sky News. "It is also possible for Iraq to diversify energy sources, for example, by relying on Russian and Egyptian gas, .

"He also urged the Iraqi government to get rid of the unilateral economy with Iran; to end Tehran's dominance by diversifying and multiplying trade partners, especially the United States and Arab countries."

21425_171-e1547903336395.jpg

 

 
  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Between the French coup and the American failure .. "Iran" continues its ballistic program!

 Saturday, 26 January 2019
 
 
 
 
50601723_228983611383581_8522715420354936832_n.jpg
 

 

 

Special: Written - Nashwa Hefni:

Sudden changes in the French position make its policy incomprehensible to Iran. Despite its constant defense of its commitment to the "nuclear agreement", its declaration of support for it and the imminent implementation of the rescue mechanism of the "American sanctions", France announced that it was ready to impose further sanctions Against "Iran"; if no progress is made in the talks on the ballistic missile program.

"We are firmly prepared to impose sanctions if the talks do not produce results, and they (in reference to the Iranians) know that," French Foreign Minister Jean-Louis Le Duran said on Friday.

Earlier, three diplomats confirmed to Reuters that France, Britain and other EU countries were considering imposing new economic sanctions against Tehran.

They said the sanctions could include freezing assets and banning travel to the Revolutionary Guard, which is developing Iran's ballistic missile program.1-1040697-e1548500152704.jpg

Did not stop its nuclear activities by order of "Khamenei" ..

Ali Akbar Salehi, head of Iran's Atomic Energy Agency, has revealed that Tehran has not stopped its nuclear activities, even after its agreement with the six world powers in 2015.

In an interview with Iran's Channel 4 TV last Tuesday, Salhi justified the continuation of these activities, which were contrary to the letter and spirit of the agreement. They were in accordance with the instructions of Khamenei, who has always said that Americans and Europeans can not be trusted, The possibilities, as he put it.

Tehran has always argued that it is fully committed to the terms of the agreement, while Washington has demanded tougher surveillance by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing the Iranian regime of pursuing dangerous covert activities, One of the reasons for the withdrawal of US President, "Donald Trump", of the "nuclear agreement" with "Tehran" in May 2018.

New US sanctions

At the same time, the US Treasury Department announced yesterday its listing of the airline (Fatmayoun) and Zainbion as well as a private airline on the sanctions list.

The US Treasury said in a statement: "The Fatimiyun Brigade and Zinibun Brigade were included to provide material support to the IRGC. The US Department of State's Foreign Assets Control Office (OFAC), the Qeshm Fars Air Company, has also been incorporated because it is owned or controlled by Mahan Air and provides financial support to the Quds Force Of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. "

"The office has also incorporated Armenia-based Flight Travel LLC to work for or on behalf of Mahan Air," she said.10_0-e1548500187239.jpg

The Iranian airline plays a key role in supporting the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its agents in Syria by transporting individuals and weapons.

"The Iranian regime is taking advantage of the refugee communities in Iran and depriving them of access to basic services such as education and using them as human shields for the Syrian conflict," Treasury Secretary Stephen Menuchin was quoted as saying. "The Treasury's targeting of Iranian-backed militias and other foreign agencies is part of Of our ongoing campaign to close the illegal networks used by the regime to export terrorism and unrest around the world. "

Iranian war games ..

At the same time that France and Washington are trying to break the thorn of Iran, Iran is showing more stubbornness to prove that it is not affected by what is happening. Iran conducted war games yesterday, including newly developed units for rapid deployment. Local media said it was aimed at countering any aggression and repelling attacks by militants, amid increasing tension with the United States and following an attack by militants.

Some 12,000 military special forces, armored vehicles, fighters and marines took part in the two-day exercise in the central province of Isfahan, state television reported.

"In these war games we will present two important developments: a special forces battalion for rapid deployment and a rapidly deployable assault battalion," General Keumarth Haidari, commander of Iran's ground forces, told state television.

The Islamic Republic News Agency quoted Haidari as saying that the war games would be a joy for Iran's friends.

The US-Iranian relations deteriorated further after President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw his country from the international nuclear agreement with Iran, which aims to curb Tehran's nuclear program and re-impose economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic.

Tensions also increased between Iran and Israel, its arch-rival, as well as its Gulf neighbors, especially Saudi Arabia. In September 2018, the Islamic State Organization claimed responsibility for an attack on a military parade in which 25 people were killed.5c4b67c195a5972a338b45d4-e1548500217485.

Iran conducts military exercises several times a year to show its willingness to repel any external aggression, but Western military analysts say it often overstates its military might.

American failure

"The US administration has put pressure on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to open the file on the alleged military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear program (PMD)," said Bloomberg. "America's attempts to open the alleged file on the possible military dimensions of the nuclear program Iranian disregard by all other countries. "

"US officials have put pressure on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in recent weeks and called for an increase in the number of inspectors in Iran's nuclear facilities, threatening to escalate the embargo against Iran," she said, noting that " Rare for the United States within the International Atomic Energy Agency, which played an influential role in imposing a UN embargo on Iran. "

Rejects the idea of "Poland conference" ..

The Guardian published an article by Patrick Wintour, the editor of diplomatic affairs, in which he discussed the reasons for the United States' retreat from the idea of holding an international conference. In "Poland" to form an international coalition against "Tehran".

Wintour said the conference, which is supposed to take place over two days, is now focused on the search for solutions to the burning crises in the Middle East in general, not just the "Iranian file", pointing out that this change came after strong pressure from European countries , An ally of "Washington".

Wentworth thinks that this change will make Britain's participation in the conference more likely, especially since it is one of the closest allies of Washington and Warsaw and is seeking greater economic relations with Iran.

Wintour added that the conference will be held on the twelfth and thirteenth of next month, and that Washington is seeking to exert pressure on European companies to comply with the second package of economic sanctions imposed on Iran and to persuade European governments to abandon "Nuclear agreement" with "Iran", signed by the major powers in 2015.

Wintour warns the United States of its difficulty in this regard, especially in the light of the declaration of "Russia" not to attend the conference, so the reluctance of more countries to attend the conference or participate in low-level representation a blow to "Washington" and an expression of international isolation in exchange for "Iran".

iran-missil-e1548500250238.jpg

  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

125568.jpg?width=750&&height=375

 
2019/01/27 15:29
  • Number of readings 156
  • Section: Iraq
  •  

Allawi's message to US official: disarming factions in Iraq and the region is a condition for negotiations with Iran

BAGHDAD / The leader of the National Coalition Iyad Allawi said on Sunday, January 27, 2019, that a senior US official, I hear the conditions of Washington to enter into negotiations with Iran.

Allawi said in an interview with the obelisk that the US official said that Washington may enter into negotiations with Tehran to stop the escalation, but several conditions, notably the cessation of support for armed factions in the whole region and not in Iraq unity.

He added that the second condition included the resumption of negotiations on the nuclear program, taking into account the security and stability of the Middle East, pointing out that the third condition was not to allow the spread of intercontinental and medium-range missiles, and must be canceled and destroyed by the government.

The obelisk

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/162332/علاوي-ينقل-رسالة-مسؤول-امريكي-نزع-سلاح-الفصائل-في-العراق-والمنطقة-شرط-للتفاوض-مع-إيران

 

 
  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Iraq must move away from economic reliance on Iran - British official

Iraq must wean itself off economic reliance onIran and become more energy self-sufficient, Britain's foreign office minister for the Middle East said on Sunday.

Alistair Burt visited Iraq after a flurry of high-profile diplomacy in Baghdad this month that followed US President Donald Trump's surprise announcement he was pulling American troops out of Syria.

US allies worry the withdrawal, even if it proceeds more slowly than initially planned, will embolden Iran, whose influence has grown in Iraq and Syria in recent years.

Washington hopes to counter Iranian influence through renewed sanctions, and has pressuredIraq to halt imports of Iranian gas.

"To expect Iran to have no influence in Iraq is fanciful," Burt said in an interview with Reuters at the British Embassy in Baghdad.

"What is important is that Iraq finds the opportunity to follow its own future in terms of foreign relations and that its economy is strong, and isn't reliant on Iran."

Burt said Iraq must convert oil resources to become more self-sufficient. "The sooner all its oil wealth can come on stream and can capture all the energy that is sometimes not used as effectively as possible ... the better," he said.

Iraq's oil export capacity is nearly 5 million barrels per day, although it is pumping below capacity in line with an OPEC agreement to reduce production to stabilize prices. Washington hopes it can reduce its gas flaring to satisfy domestic energy needs and rely less on Iranian power imports.

Burt said there were ideas for more power projects in Iraq, without elaborating.

He doubted that a military escalation between the United States and Iran in Iraq or Syria was imminent, but warned of "confrontation which might occur should there be a miscalculation."

Tension has ramped up between Washington's chief regional ally Israel, and Iran and its allies inSyria and Iraq in recent weeks. Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets near Damascus on Monday in an increasingly open assault on Iran's presence there.

Burt said Britain remained concerned about the threat from ISIS in the region especially after theUS decision to withdraw troops, and that London would continue to support Baghdad's efforts against remaining ISIS militants who have stepped up insurgent-style attacks in Iraq.J
 
  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Iran intends to use the digital currency to sell oil

Iran intends to use the digital currency to sell oil

Written by: Yasser Hilaliin:January 27, 2019In: 

 

 

Nour News / Economic

TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iran plans to enter into negotiations with eight countries with trade and economic activities with Iran over the use of the digital currency to sell Iranian oil to those countries, an Iranian official said on Sunday.

 

"Iran intends to negotiate with eight countries to transfer the receipt of oil payments from paper currency to digital currency," Tasnim news agency quoted the head of Iran's Trade Development Organization Mohammad Reza Mudoudi as saying.

"The world is ignoring traditional banking transactions and activities in dollars. The digital currency is an alternative to the physical currencies. There is a new chapter in the receipt of oil payments in digital currency under US sanctions."

"The world is losing weight in terms of traditional banking and exchange of dollars. The digital currency is an alternative to material currencies, a new chapter for our country to neutralize sanctions and develop its relations with the world," he said.

The Iranian official expressed "hope that his country will be able to convince foreign investors to come to Iran and take advantage of the opportunities available."

For his part, said the Secretary-General of the Central Bank of Iran Mohammad Talbi that "investigations into the use of blockchain technology (Block Shin) in Iran has been held and is about to end in order to use the digital currency in the country.

"There are currently investigations into the decision of the Central Bank of Iran on the national currency, which depends on the blockchain," adding that the digital currency requires special conditions and does not need to take quick decisions in this area.

"At the moment, countries are moving towards using paper currency in financial and banking transactions as well as in investment markets and this will also create certain changes," he said.

"The virtual currency is expected to be announced at the two-day annual conference on electronic banking and payments, which will be launched on January 29 in Tehran," Iranian economic reports said last week.

Iran believes that "its orientation towards the virtual currency may provide an alternative solution because its economy is affected by the US sanctions, which entered into force in early November and targeted the most important sectors in the country, namely oil and banks."

 

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Capture-295-750x430.png

British Foreign Secretary Alistair Burt said on Sunday that Iraq must distance itself from economic dependence on Iran and boost its self-sufficiency in energy.

Burt visited Iraq after diplomatic activity at a high level witnessed in Baghdad this month, following the sudden announcement by US President Donald Trump to withdraw his troops from Syria.

US allies fear Iran will become more aggressive because of the pullout, even if its pace is slower than initially planned, as Tehran's influence in Iraq and Syria has grown in recent years.

Washington hopes to counter Tehran's influence by re-imposing sanctions and is pressing Iraq to stop its imports of Iranian gas.

"Expecting that Iran has no influence in Iraq is a fantasy," Bert said in an interview with Reuters at the British embassy in Baghdad. "It is important for Iraq to have the opportunity to determine its future in terms of foreign relations and its economy is strong and not dependent on Iran."

He added that Iraq should develop its oil resources so as to enhance its self-sufficiency. "The sooner Iraq can benefit from all its oil wealth and the more energy it does not use, the more efficient it is, the better."

Iraq's export capacity of oil is around 5 million bpd, although it pumps less, in line with OPEC's agreement to cut production to stabilize prices.

Washington hopes Iraq will be able to reduce the rate of gas burn to meet its domestic energy needs and reduce its reliance on electricity imports from Iran.

Burt said, without elaborating, that there are ideas for more electricity projects in Iraq.

Growing tensions between the United States and Iran

Burt expressed doubts about an imminent military escalation between the United States and Iran in Iraq or Syria, but cautioned against "a confrontation that may occur if there is an error in the calculations."

Tension has grown between Israel, Washington's main ally in the region, and Iran and its allies in Syria and Iraq in recent weeks. Israel hit what it said were Iranian targets near Damascus on Monday.

Britain remains concerned about the threat posed by a hawkish organization in the region, particularly after the decision to withdraw US troops, and that London will continue to support Baghdad's efforts to counter the remnants of al Qaeda militants who are stepping up attacks in Iraq, Burt said.

 

 

  • Upvote 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Iraq rejects disbanding IMIS, joining anti-Iran axis: FM

hakim
 

 

Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim announced rejecting demands to dissolve the Shiite sectarian IMIS or to join an anti-Iran axis.

"Iraq rejects any call from any party to dissolve the [IMIS] that represents a part of the Iraqi military system. Baghdad will not accept any request in this regard," Hakim said in a TV interview.

"We will not respond to any call to join an axis against Iran; Iraq is neutral and refuses to enter into any regional or international conflict," he stated.

US alleged list

Prime Minister Adil Abd al-Mahdi denied news on a "deadline" for the disbanding of the sectarian IMIS.

He also denied at a weekly press conference that the US called on Iraq to freeze and withdraw weapons of a number of militias.

The list claimed to be handed to Abd al-Mahdi includes the military wing of Badr Organization led by Hadi al-Amiri, the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, Liwa Abu al-Fadhal al-Abbas, and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq led by Qais al-Khazali.

On January 9, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met Iraqi President Barham Salih, Abd al-Mahdi, Parliament Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi, Foreign Minister Mohamed al-Hakim and US troops after arriving in Baghdad on an unannounced visit.

Parliament Member Ahmed al-Asadi, a Fatah Alliance spokesman denied that US has sent a list of certain militias to Iraq in order for the latter to disband them.

In a statement, Asadi, who served as IMIS spokesman, considered the alleged list containing the names of 76 militias "lie" released by "mercenary pages." He added that more than half of the names in the list are virtual.

Asadi asserted it is "impossible" for Abd al-Mahdi to accept orders from the US or from any other party.

Pompeo demands

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Abd al-Mahdi to reduce the activities of Iranian companies operating in Iraq, a political source said.

The recent visit of Pompeo to Iraq focused on the economic sector and on how Iraq would commit to the US sanctions on Iran, according to the same source.

Pompeo expressed that the United States is worried that Iran may send funds to some parties and figures in Iraq who are loyal to Tehran, according to the source, in order to help the latter get rid of the siege.

Abd al-Mahdi assured Pompeo that Iraq is working according to the country's interest, adding that everyone in Iraq is committed to the country's official stance, the source added.

Separately, Abd al-Mahdi affirmed that Iraq is "not part of the US sanctions on Iran."

Zarif, Hakim meeting

Hakim's stance toward Iran has been clear since he took post in Abd al-Mahdi's government.

Earlier in January, Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif arrived in Baghdad on a trade mission, where he met with Hakim. 

"We discussed the unilateral economic measures taken by the US and are working with our neighbor (Iran) on them," Hakim told a joint press conference following his meeting with Zarif. 

 

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/35667/Iraq-rejects-disbanding-IMIS-joining-anti-Iran-axis-FM

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Britain calls on Iraq to get rid of Iran's economic dependence

Britain calls on Iraq to get rid of Iran's economic dependence
 
 



 Twilight News    
 one hour ago

British Foreign Secretary Alistair Burt said Iraq should distance itself from economic dependence on Iran and boost its self-sufficiency in energy. 
Burt visited Iraq after diplomatic activity at a high level witnessed in Baghdad this month, following the sudden announcement by US President Donald Trump to withdraw his troops from Syria. 
US allies fear Iran will become more emboldened by the pullout, even if its pace is slower than initially planned, as Tehran's influence in Iraq and Syria has grown in recent years. 
Washington hopes to counter Tehran's influence by re-imposing sanctions and pressuring Iraq to halt its imports of Iranian gas.
It is important that Iraq finds the opportunity to determine its future in terms of foreign relations and that its economy is strong and does not depend on Iran, "Burt said in an interview with Reuters at the British embassy in Baghdad. 
Birt added that Iraq must develop its oil resources so as to enhance its self-sufficiency, saying, "The sooner Iraq can benefit from all its oil wealth quickly and use all the energy does not use at times with the maximum efficiency, the better." 
Iraq's export capacity of oil is around 5 million bpd, although it pumps less, in line with OPEC's agreement to cut production to stabilize prices. 
Washington hopes Iraq will be able to reduce the gas burn rate to meet its domestic energy needs and reduce its reliance on electricity imports from Iran.
"There are ideas for more electricity projects in Iraq," Burt said without elaborating. 
Burt expressed doubts about an impending military escalation between the United States and Iran in Iraq or Syria, but warned of "a confrontation that may occur if there is an error in the calculations." 
Tension has grown between Israel, Washington's main ally in the region, and Iran and its allies in Syria and Iraq in recent weeks. Israel hit what it said were Iranian targets near Damascus on Monday. 
Britain remains concerned about the threat posed by the organization of the Islamic state in the region, especially after the decision to withdraw US troops, Burt said. 
He stressed that London will continue to support Baghdad's efforts in the face of remnants of the militants of the Islamic State Organization, who are escalating their attacks in Iraq.

Keywords: 

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
12618.jpg
 
  

 money and business


Economy News _ Baghdad

British Foreign Secretary Alistair Burt said on Monday that Iraq must distance itself from economic dependence on Iran and boost its self-sufficiency in energy.

Burt visited Iraq after high-level diplomatic activity in Baghdad this month, following the sudden announcement by US President Donald Trump to withdraw his troops from Syria.

US allies fear that Iran will become more emboldened by the pullout, even if its pace is slower than originally planned, after Tehran's growing influence in Iraq and Syria in recent years.

Washington hopes to counter Tehran's influence by re-imposing sanctions and is pressing Iraq to stop its imports of Iranian gas.

"It is important for Iraq to have the opportunity to determine its future in terms of foreign relations and to have a strong economy that does not depend on Iran," Burt said in an interview with Reuters at the British embassy in Baghdad.

"Iraq needs to develop its oil resources so it can enhance its self-sufficiency," Burt said.

"The sooner Iraq can take advantage of all its oil wealth quickly, and use all the energy it does not use at times with maximum efficiency ... it was better."

Iraq's export capacity of oil is about 5 million barrels per day, although it pumps less in line with OPEC's agreement to cut output to stabilize prices.

Washington hopes Iraq will be able to reduce the rate of gas burn to meet its domestic energy needs and reduce its reliance on electricity imports from Iran.

"There are ideas for more electricity projects in Iraq," Burt said without elaborating.


Views 143   Date Added 01/28/2019

 
  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Cohen's policy : Iraqis have asked for military help from Israel to get rid of Iran in return for peace

Cohen: Iraqis have asked for military help from Israel to get rid of Iran in exchange for peace

 Twilight News    

 2 hours ago

 

"The impossible peace with Iraq" was published on Monday in an Israeli newspaper by the writer and political analyst close to the government of Tel Aviv, Eddie Cohen.

Cohen addressed his article to the visit of Iraqi parliamentarians to Israel in secret and the rejection of the government and the parliament in Baghdad and set up a committee to find out the truth.  

"The majority of Israelis want peace with their neighbors, but the experience of the last few decades, but to reflect on the concessions that must be contained in exchange for a false peace," said the writer and analyst Cohen. "Peace with Egypt is very cold, peace with Jordan shaken because of its refusal to renew the annex Peace agreement ".

"It is clear that our neighbors want peace and are aware of Israeli aid, with false promises of future peace relations," he said.

He pointed out that "many Israelis managed to communicate with the Syrian opposition figures and expressed their hope for peace with Israel after it helped topple the Assad regime," saying that "Assad did not fall, peace with Syria does not exist."

After the fall of Saddam Hussein, dozens of Iraqi parliamentarians came to Israel, most of whom were afraid to announce it, the most prominent of which was proud and not afraid to visit Israel, .

"In 2004, Alusi visited here, and commentators in Israel reported the warm peace coming from Iraq, shortly after he was expelled from parliament and his sons were killed by unknown people in Iraq." Alusi was not re-elected because he did not exceed the electoral threshold.

"Although Iraq is one of the richest natural resources in the world, it is unable to provide electricity and drinking water to its population," Cohen said.

"The Iraqis are tired of this life and they stand idly by and see how their oil, along with other natural resources, is stolen by Iran, which has controlled Iraq through Shiite militias since the fall of Saddam," he said.

Unfortunately, in Israel, many resources are allocated to this hopeless goal, "he said." The Iraqis, who want to free themselves from the Iranians, are asking for military aid from Israel in return for false promises of peace. "

"In Europe, tens of thousands of Iraqi refugees who can not return home hope that Israel will help remove the Iranians from Iraq and promise us peace when they return to their country and take over leadership," Cohen said.

 "Iraq has been added to the list of Arab countries seeking Israeli aid in exchange for promises of future peace, a service similar to that of Christians in Lebanon in the 1980s and, more recently, to the Syrian opposition," he said.

"Peace with Iraq is light years away, and in October 2017, the Iraqi parliament passed a law prohibiting the raising of the Israeli flag and setting the prison sentence for those who violated it." If we do not learn from past experience, at least we will learn to read the present correctly "He said.

 

Keywords: 

http://www.shafaaq.com/ar/Ar_NewsReader/857e382d-fccb-4e64-a001-49b9229894fc

  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The European Union rejects America's threats on sanctions against Iran

14:21 - 28/01/2019
0
 
  
%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D8%

Information / Translation ...

The White House has threatened the European Union that if they try to circumvent the Iranian sanctions, they will be subject to economic sanctions and fines, according to a report by the French Press Agency on Monday.

"The European Union is moving ahead with a plan to establish an alternative financing and trade channel with Tehran, and hopes to announce its launch very soon, despite US threats," the report said.

"The preparations for the alternative financial system are at an advanced stage, and I hope we will be able to launch it very soon," EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Frederica Mugrini said.

"The United States will fully implement its sanctions and hold individuals and entities responsible for undermining them," a senior administration official said on condition of anonymity.

"The United States is concerned about the alternative payment system created by the European Union and Iran, known as SWIFT, because it may eventually become a leading global institution of financial institutions to send and receive information about banking transactions, and it will encourage other countries that may try to direct Transactions across the European system simply to circumvent and circumvent US sanctions, which will eventually fail. " Ending / 25 z

https://www.almaalomah.com/2019/01/28/385845/

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

POLITICS 

FOREIGN POLICY

The Trump Administration Has Warned Europe Not to Try Evading Sanctions on Iran

 

On the eve of renewed sanctions by Washington, Iranian protesters demonstrate outside the former U.S. embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on Nov. 4, 2018, marking the anniversary of its storming by student protesters that triggered a hostage crisis in 1979.

Majid Saeedi—Getty Images

By DEB RIECHMANN & MATTHEW LEE / AP 

1:57 AM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is closely eyeing efforts in Europe to set up an alternative money payment channel to ease doing business with Iran and avoid running afoul of sanctions the U.S. has levied on the Islamic republic.

The White House is putting the Europeans on notice, saying that if they try to do an end-run around U.S. sanctions on Iran, they will be subject to stiff fines and penalties. Unfazed, the European Union is marching forward with the plan, which, if implemented, could further strain trans-Atlantic relations.

A spokeswoman for EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said preparations for the alternative system were “at an advanced stage.”

“I hope that we can announce the launch very soon,” Maja Kocijancic told reporters late last week in Brussels.

Getting out ahead of a possible announcement, a senior administration official told The Associated Press on Friday that the U.S. will fully enforce its sanctions and hold individuals and entities accountable for undermining them. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the issue.

“The choice is whether to do business with Iran or the United States,” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., told the AP. “I hope our European allies choose wisely.”

 

 

The U.S. joined China, France, Germany, Russia and Britain in signing a pact with Iran in 2015 that offered to lift economic sanctions in exchange for Tehran’s pledge to rein in its nuclear weapons program.

President Donald Trump called it a “horrible, one-sided deal.” He pulled out of the pact last year and restored punishing U.S. sanctions on Iran. Tehran, which denies wanting nuclear weapons, continues to abide by the agreement, and the remaining five nations in the pact are trying to keep it intact.

Restoring the sanctions regime is part of the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure campaign” on the Iranians to force them to radically alter their policies on developing ballistic missiles, supporting regional militant groups and violating human rights.

The U.S. has many concerns about the alternative payment system, according to an outside Trump administration adviser. The adviser spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the key U.S. worries.

Long-term, the U.S. worries that the alternative money payment system could become successful enough to compete with the international bank transfer system known as SWIFT. The fear is that it could eventually supplant SWIFT as the leading global institution for financial institutions to send and receive information about banking transactions.

Secondly, the U.S. is concerned that other countries might try to route transactions through the European system just to circumvent U.S. sanctions, the adviser said. Thirdly, while the Europeans have signaled that the alternative money transfer system would be used only for humanitarian transactions, the U.S. is suspicious that it could be used for non-humanitarian transactions to evade U.S. sanctions, the adviser said.

“We should oppose efforts to create foreign financial channels that Iran could use to circumvent America’s maximum pressure campaign against it, especially when humanitarian exceptions are already in U.S. sanctions laws,” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., told the AP.

As the administration prepares for the potential fallout from the possible the European move, it is pressing ahead with its sanctions campaign against Iran and preparing to co-host with Poland next month a conference that will focus on combatting Iranian threats.

On Thursday, Treasury imposed sanctions on two Iran-backed militias in Syria and on Qeshm Fars Air, an Iranian civilian airline it accuses of ferrying weapons and personnel to Syria to support President Bashar Assad’s government. The sanctions block any assets those targeted might have in U.S. jurisdictions and bar Americans from doing business with them.

At the same time, the State Department told Congress earlier this month that it would waive some Iranian sanctions to allow U.S. companies to sell spare parts to Iranian airlines, which need them to operate aging, American-built Boeing jets.

The waivers raised questions on Capitol Hill because some lawmakers are weighing legislation to specifically target Iran’s civilian aviation sector. And Iran hawks outside the administration have expressed concern too.

Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, said Iran’s aviation sector is being used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a branch of the Iranian military that has ties to militant networks, which Iran uses to expand its influence in the region and abroad.

“What effective controls does the administration have in place to ensure that the aircraft receiving these licensed services are not facilitating Iran’s support for these destructive activities?” he asked.

http://time.com/5514378/trump-warn-europe-evading-sanctions-iran/

  • Upvote 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Trump to Europe: Don't even think of evading Iran sanctions

White House closely monitoring attempts by Europe to build channel with Iran to evade US sanctions, warns that US is prepared to punish EU.

Arutz Sheva Staff, 28/01/19 10:32
Share

 

Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Reuters

The US is prepared to punish any attempt to circumvent the Trump administration’s sanctions against the Iranian regime – including Europe. That’s the message White House officials are conveying to European allies, according to a report by the Associated Press.

The Bush administration, with the help of European allies, built a comprehensive sanctions regime against Tehran over Iran’s nuclear program.

As part of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, however, the signatories offered Tehran sanctions relief, allowing much-needed foreign currency into inflation-ravaged Iran.

Last May, President Trump withdrew the US from the nuclear deal, reimposing wide-ranging economic sanctions on Iran in November, despite protests from the deal’s European signatories.

The European Union has vowed to circumvent the American sanctions, and is currently in the process of establishing a back-door channel for businesses to conduct transactions with Iran while evading the US sanctions regime.

“I hope that we can announce the launch very soon,” said European Union spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Maja Kocijancic last week.

But the White House is warning the EU that the US will not tolerate efforts to evade sanctions on Iran, and will not hesitate to punish violators.

A senior Trump administration official told AP that the US is determined to enforce the Iranian sanctions regime, and will hold any individuals or entities involved in circumventing them responsible.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/258238

  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

EU to launch initiative to sidestep US sanctions on Iran

Germany’s foreign minister says EU will launch alternative channel to send money to Iran.

Elad Benari, 29/01/19 06:43
Share

 

Heiko Maas
Heiko Maas
Yonatan Sindel/Flash 90

The European Union is on the verge of launching an alternative channel to send money to Iran that would sidestep US sanctions against the Islamic republic, Germany’s foreign minister said Monday, according to The Associated Press.

The “special purpose vehicle,” or SPV, is part of EU efforts to keep the 2015 Iran nuclear deal alive.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told reporters in Brussels that “as far as the special purpose vehicle is concerned: it will be registered, it has not yet been registered, but I would say that the implementation of our plan is imminent.”

Maas added the EU’s aim is to ensure that “business not sanctioned by the US can be upheld, and there is a suitable instrument for international payments.”

He said that Germany has been working notably with Britain and France but also other EU partners in recent months to set it up, without providing details.

US President Donald Trump withdrew in May from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers, which he has said is “the worst deal ever negotiated”.

The US has since imposed two rounds of sanctions on Iran, the latest of which went into effect two weeks ago.

The European signatories to the 2015 deal did not agree with Trump’s decision to leave the agreement and have been trying to save the accord, which they see as crucial to forestalling an Iranian nuclear weapon.

The European Union has vowed to help Iran evade the economic sanctions imposed by the US, shielding companies doing business with the rogue state in an effort to preserve the Iran nuclear deal.

The White House has been warning the Europeans that they could face stiff fines and penalties should they try to circumvent the sanctions, noted AP.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/258284

  • Thanks 2
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tomorrow .. Meeting of six Arab countries to discuss the crises of the region

 
The US Senate is pushing legislation that includes sanctions against Syria
 Washington / Agencies
As part of the Arab efforts to resolve the crises in the Arab region, the media advisor to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa said that a meeting of six Arab countries will be held on Thursday to discuss regional crises.
"The foreign ministers of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt and Jordan will hold a meeting in Jordan on Thursday to discuss regional crises," adviser Nabil al-Hamar said on Tuesday in a tweet on Twitter.
He added: «Foreign Ministers of the six countries will hold a consultative meeting at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center in the Dead Sea area to discuss the crises of the region». 
The meeting of the Dead Sea comes amid a debate over the return of Syria to the Arab League, especially with the superiority of the Syrian army on the ground, with the restoration of large areas of Syrian territory. 
In return, the US Senate has passed legislation that reaffirms support for allies in the Middle East, including new sanctions on Syria and a move to fight a movement calling for Israel to be boycotted and divested.
The bill includes clauses to impose new sanctions on Syria and ensure security assistance to Israel and Jordan.
Opponents of the bill argue that the clause on punishing those who call for boycotting Israel and divesting them violates freedom of expression.
"I do not support the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent Democrat who was among those opposed to the bill. "We have to defend the constitutional right that guarantees every American the right to participate, In political action. It is clear to me that this law will violate these rights. " 
The procedure still has several steps to become law and may never reach this stage. Even if approved by the Senate, it must also be approved by the House of Representatives, which controls the majority of Democrats.
 
 Iranian currency
In the context of talking about the Middle East, especially the challenges of US sanctions on Tehran and the European position to avoid them, Mehr said that Iran has taken effective steps to circumvent the US sanctions imposed on it, including the launch of a digital currency, in light of Washington's attempts to exclude Tehran from the global financial system .
The digital currency is expected to be announced at a conference on electronic and banking systems in Tehran on Wednesday, the agency said.
In addition to the digital currency, Iran is waiting for the European Trade Mechanism, which aims to bypass US sanctions as well, and protects European companies cooperating with Tehran from Washington sanctions. 
Iran is not the first country to try by digital currencies to go beyond US sanctions. Venezuela last year launched the Petro currency, and Caracas declared that the currency was supported by Venezuela's huge oil reserves.
In contrast, the Associated Press reported that the White House threatened European countries with strict measures if they tried to circumvent his sanctions against Iran.
The agency said in a report published yesterday that the administration of US President Donald Trump is closely following the efforts of European countries to develop an alternative financial mechanism to trade with Iran in an attempt to avoid the impact of US sanctions, noting that the White House warned the Europeans that «« punitive measures and fines Strict "will be imposed on them if they try to circumvent his sanctions. 
Ahead of the expected announcement of the new mechanism, a senior official in Trump's administration told the agency that the United States would "implement all measures available within the framework of its sanctions regime to prosecute individuals and entities responsible for obstructing sanctions."
 
The Venezuelan crisis
In the context of the sanctions, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro also described the new US sanctions against Venezuela's state oil company as "illegal."
"They (the Americans) want to steal from us the oil company Sitgo, the majority owned by Venezuela in America," Maduro said.
He revealed that he had instructed the president of PDSA (Venezuelan State Oil Company) to take measures to protect its property - legal and political in US and international courts.
Earlier, the US Treasury Department announced that the United States had banned all assets and interests of the oil company of the Venezuelan government and placed them under its jurisdiction, as well as prevented from dealing with them.
According to US Treasury Secretary Stephen Menuchin, the United States "maintains" the company for the people of Venezuela and takes measures to protect its market, he said.
Manochen noted that blocking the company's accounts owned by Venezuela meant that its revenues would not be transferred to the current president, Nicolas Maduro, but to Guadeloupe.
At the same time, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro asked President Donald Trump not to intervene in Venezuela and leave it alone in safety.
This came during a speech by Maduro in English to his American counterpart, welcoming Venezuelan diplomats, who returned from the United States, saying:
«Donald Trump ... coup in Venezuela? No! not this way! Do not interfere in the affairs of Venezuela, lift your hand on Venezuela! Immediately! "," Donald Trump, no, this will not work! " 
For his part, criticized Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, what the United States and its allies in the Venezuelan affairs, pointing out that Washington and its allies are trying through the sanctions against Caracas to confiscate their funds.
Lavrov told a news conference in Moscow with his Sierra Leonean counterpart on Tuesday that the sanctions on Venezuela were illegal, violated the international order and deepened the crisis, adding that the sanctions imposed by Washington against Venezuelan oil would undermine confidence in the dollar and aggravate the situation in this country. To support the legitimate authority of Venezuela. 
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Jin Shuang said that Washington was responsible for the serious consequences of the sanctions against Caracas, noting that Beijing opposes unilateral US sanctions.
"The sanctions imposed by the countries concerned against Venezuela will lead to a deterioration in the lives of the population and bear the responsibility for the serious consequences of these sanctions," the spokesman said at a news conference, adding that the Chinese side will increase cooperation with Venezuela in all fields on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. And common development.
 
Trump's speech
For his part, US President Donald Trump invited Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to deliver his State of the Union address in Congress on February 5.
According to a statement from the White House, Trump sent a letter to Pelosi, saying: "It is an honor for me to accept the invitation. We have a wonderful story to tell, and also, great goals to achieve! ", According to the Washington Post.
Earlier, Speaker of the House of Representatives Drew Hamel, on his official Twitter page, announced that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had invited President Donald Trump to address his annual State of the Union address on Tuesday, Prioritizes management in the following year.   
 
Opinion poll
At the same time, an opinion poll whose results coincided with the approach of the state of President Donald Trump's state that "half the Americans do not trust him at all."
The poll comes after Trump's defeat over the construction of the border wall with Mexico, which has been temporarily withdrawn. 
The latest ABC News poll, in collaboration with the Washington Post, warned Americans about their political leaders, whether they were Republicans or Democrats. But this caution and distrust is particularly acute 
Trump.  
Nearly half of Americans (48 percent) "have no confidence" in Tramp, while 37 percent do not trust House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.   
Aside from his performance at the White House, only 32 percent of Americans have a positive attitude from Trump as a person, less than two percentage points from the lowest point reached by Bill Clinton at the height of his scandal with Monica Lewinsky.
 
US-China talks 
On the other hand, the White House announced that President Donald Trump will lead a round of trade talks with Chinese officials on Thursday and Friday.
The talks came as part of an agreement between Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina at the end of last year to launch 90-day talks to resolve trade disputes between 
The two countries. US and Chinese trade officials have a deadline of March 1 to find a solution to the trade war and avoid a sharp increase in US punitive tariffs on Chinese goods worth $ 200 billion. 
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rohani: America has failed in all its confrontation with Iran

14:18 - 30/01/2019
0
  
%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-696

Information / Baghdad ..

Iranian President Hassan Rowhani said on Wednesday that the United States had failed in all its confrontation with Iran, saying that no force could harm his country.

"The United States has not only violated its covenant with Iran, but with many countries of the world," Rowhani said in a speech at the shrine of Imam Khomeini on the anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution. "No power can inflict damage on us."

He added that "America in its recent confrontation with Iran failed politically and legally and failed internationally and regionally, as failed in the psychological war inside Iran and will fail economically in the determination and steadfastness of the people."

Rohani pointed out that "the whole world during this confrontation supports Iran and condemns America with the exception of some countries and our problem in Iran is due to the pressures and conspiracies exercised by America and its tails." Ending / 25

https://www.almaalomah.com/2019/01/30/386245/

  • Haha 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Trump Warns Europeans Not To Defy US Sanctions Against Iran

by Tyler Durden

 

Wed, 01/30/2019 - 03:30

 

Authored by Jason Ditz via AntiWar.com,

...threatens stiff fines and penalties for circumventing sanctions

c9fa54.jpg

 

With reports that the European Union is close to establishing its trade vehicle for facilitating trade with Iran, the Trump Administration has issued a statement warning them not to defy the US sanctions, in any way.

“The choice is whether to do business with Iran or the United States," Sen. Tom Cotton (Republican-Arkansas), told the AP.

“I hope our European allies choose wisely.”

The US reimposed sanctions on Iran after withdrawing from the P5+1 nuclear deal. EU nations did not withdraw from the deal, and companies are still allowed to trade with Iran. This, however, is difficult because US sanctions are scaring most banks away.

The EU solution is a clearing house for the trades, which allow companies to pay for Iranian goods, and Iran to pay EU companies for services, without any money crossing borders, cutting the banks out of it.

Long-term, the US worries that the alternative money payment system could become successful enough to compete with the international bank transfer system known as SWIFT. The fear is that it could eventually supplant SWIFT as the leading global institution for financial institutions to send and receive information about banking transactions.

Secondly, the US is concerned that other countries might try to route transactions through the European system just to circumvent US sanctions, the adviser said.

Thirdly, while the Europeans have signaled that the alternative money transfer system would be used only for humanitarian transactions, the US is suspicious that it could be used for non-humanitarian transactions to evade US sanctions, the adviser said.

 

000_18O7QR-e1535548148787-640x400.jpg

US officials are threatening stiff fines and penalties if the plan goes forward. The EU, however, is betting that the US cannot afford to simply cut off Europe entirely over Iran.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-01-29/trump-warns-europeans-not-defy-us-sanctions-against-iran

  • Thanks 1
  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
12722.jpg
 
  

 Arab and international


Economy News _ Baghdad

Imports of the top four Asian buyers of Iranian oil dropped to the lowest in three years in 2018 under US sanctions on Tehran, but China and India boosted imports in December after receiving exemptions from Washington.

Data from China, India, Japan and South Korea showed that the top four buyers imported 1.31 million barrels per day in 2018, down 21 percent from the previous year.

Reuters data showed that the amount is the lowest since the import of one million barrels per day in 2015, when a previous round of sanctions on Iran to a sharp decline in Asian imports.

The United States re-imposed sanctions on Iran's oil exports in November, wanting to renegotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran. US officials have said they plan to halt Iranian oil exports altogether.

On a monthly basis, Asia's imports from Iran rebounded to a three-month high of 761,593 barrels per day in December as China and India boosted purchases after the United States granted eight-state sanctions to Iran for 180 days from the start In November.

In December, China's imports rose more than 500,000 bpd for the first time in three months, while India's imports increased by more than 302,000 bpd.

Japan and South Korea did not import any Iranian oil in that month as they were still working to solve payment and shipping problems, but the two countries resumed oil shipments from Iran this month. 


Views 11   Date Added 31/01/2019

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Germany, France and Britain set up a financial mechanism to pay with Iran

31/01/2019 11:42 AM | Number of readings:

 
Germany, France and Britain set up a financial mechanism to pay with Iran

 


Germany, France and Britain on Thursday formally set up a financial mechanism to pay with Iran, dubbed "Instex" to circumvent the US embargo on Iran. According to NDR News and Broadcast on the Press Portal, the name of Instex, which is called the payment mechanism with Iran, is an abbreviation for the Trade support Tool. According to the media, the mechanism will be based on a system of barter of goods or payments, and conduct transactions with Iran in currencies other than the dollar.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the company would be registered in France and managed by an official from Germany. The three countries, through the establishment of the channel, are trying to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran after the United States withdrew from it in May. No official statement has been made by Iran or European countries so far on the mechanism.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, yota691 said:

 

Germany, France and Britain set up a financial mechanism to pay with Iran

31/01/2019 11:42 AM | Number of readings:

 
Germany, France and Britain set up a financial mechanism to pay with Iran

 


Germany, France and Britain on Thursday formally set up a financial mechanism to pay with Iran, dubbed "Instex" to circumvent the US embargo on Iran. According to NDR News and Broadcast on the Press Portal, the name of Instex, which is called the payment mechanism with Iran, is an abbreviation for the Trade support system" rel="">support Tool. According to the media, the mechanism will be based on a system of barter of goods or payments, and conduct transactions with Iran in currencies other than the dollar.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the company would be registered in France and managed by an official from Germany. The three countries, through the establishment of the channel, are trying to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran after the United States withdrew from it in May. No official statement has been made by Iran or European countries so far on the mechanism.

 

Wonder what the US response to this will be?....Thx Yota!

CL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

U.S. May Have To Back Off Iran Sanctions Again

By Nick Cunningham - Jan 30, 2019, 4:00 PM CST

Trump

The U.S. has vowed to zero out Iran’s oil exports, and after a surprising display of leniency last November, American officials have signaled that they won’t be as flexible when sanctions waivers expire in May. However, the U.S. government may once again find itself in a bind.

The Trump administration granted eight waivers to countries late last year, allowing them to continue to import a certain amount of oil from Iran for a six-month period. The waivers surprised the oil market – and disappointed Saudi Arabia, in particular – leading to a selloff in oil prices. But the U.S. government felt compelled to grant waivers precisely because the oil market was extremely tight, or at least it appeared that way with Brent trading north of $80 per barrel in October.

This time around, when the waivers expire in May, the Trump administration has vowed things will be different. “We are going to continue our path to get to zero,” Brian Hook, the State Department’s special representative for Iran, said earlier this month, referring to the U.S. government’s stated desire to close off Iran’s oil exports. Hook boasted that Iran’s oil exports had fallen to around 1 million barrels per day (mb/d), down from the 2.7-mb/d peak from last year.

But the Trump administration may be severely limited in its effort to further tighten the screws on Iran – and its lack of flexibility could come down to the administration’s own policies.

The oil market could be too tight by the time the U.S. needs to decide on whether or not to extend the waivers, and the tightness may be the result of the Trump administration’s use of sanctions in an entirely separate part of the world: Venezuela.

It is a little early to say how much oil will be knocked offline in Venezuela from U.S. sanctions, but at least 500,000 bpd of oil exports to the U.S. are immediately in jeopardy. Those barrels will have to find another home. It’s conceivable that the Maduro government could find another buyer for its oil, likely for a hefty discount, but it still needs diluent to process its heavy oil before it is ready for export. Related: The Only Way For The Aramco IPO Is Downstream

Up until recently, Venezuela sourced that diluent from the U.S., but now PDVSA will need to find it elsewhere. The risk is that production declines accelerate because of the inability to process its heavy crude. “Production in Venezuela is likely to decrease by more than the shortfall in exports to the US of approx. 500,000 barrels per day,” Commerzbank wrote in a note on Wednesday. To be sure, Venezuela was expected to suffer from ongoing production declines anyway, but U.S. sanctions could accelerate those losses.

 

 

The Trump administration is banking on Saudi Arabia making up for any shortfall. Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin said that America’s “friends in the Middle East will be happy to make up the supply.” But that is far from a foregone conclusion. Saudi Arabia said that it would lower its output to 10.1 million barrels per day (mb/d) in February – below its required ceiling – and keep it at that level through June. Riyadh does not want to ride to the rescue of Donald Trump a second time around.

That means that the oil market could be significantly tighter by the time sanctions waivers expire in May, which could force Trump to back off once again. “The Venezuela sanctions, along with sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, will create a tighter market for heavy crude oil,” said Sara Vakhshouri, the president of SVB Energy International, according to Foreign Policy. “[T]would lead to another round of 180-day U.S. waivers on Iran’s oil exports.” Related: Oil Markets Unmoved By Modest Inventory Build

Moreover, Trump’s aggressive approach towards Iran does not have nearly as much backing as its quest for regime change in Venezuela. While major European powers are leaning towards backing Juan Guaidó, essentially signing off on America’s approach of toppling Maduro, they are very much opposed to the U.S.’ “maximum pressure” campaign in Iran.

In fact, France, Germany and the UK are finalizing the special purpose vehicle (SPV) just this week, a financing mechanism that will allow European companies to skirt U.S. sanctions and continue to do business with Iran. There is debate over how effective the SPV will be, but the effort demonstrates the lengths to which Europe is going to ensure that Iran still enjoys the benefits of the 2015 nuclear deal so as to keep the accord alive.

However, it could be the oil market itself that keeps the U.S. in check. If oil prices rise in the coming months – in part because of American efforts at disrupting Venezuelan oil – then Iran could be spared the worst for a second time.

https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/International/US-May-Have-to-Back-Off-Iran-Sanctions-Again.html

  • Thanks 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Europe Sets Up Payment Vehicle For Iran Trade To Sidestep U.S. Sanctions

By Tsvetana Paraskova - Jan 31, 2019, 4:30 PM CST EU flags

After months of deliberations, European countries have set up the special payment channel to handle trade with Iran that would allow transactions with Iran, including oil, as the European Union (EU) still works to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran, German broadcaster NDR reported on Thursday.

Germany, France, and the UK have created the payment channel—

‘Instrument in support Of Trade Exchanges’ (INSTEX)—which will be an alternative channel for transactions with Iran. INSTEX will be based in Paris and managed by an experienced German banker, while the UK will chair the vehicle’s supervisory board, according to the German broadcaster.

 

Months before the U.S. sanctions on Iran’s oil returned, the EU pledged to create a new payment system, the so-called special-purpose vehicle (SPV), that “will assist and provide reassurance to European businesses wishing to continue trading with Iran, mitigating the effect of re-imposed US sanctions, in accordance with European Law.”

The idea behind the SPV is to have it act as a clearing house into which buyers of Iranian oil would pay, allowing the EU to trade oil with Iran without having to directly pay the Islamic Republic.

Still, the bloc had been struggling for months with the set-up of such a vehicle because no EU member was willing to host it for fear of angering the United States, the Financial Times reported a week before the American sanctions on Iran returned.

The EU hoped that the payment mechanism would be legally in place by the time the U.S. sanctions on Iran returned, but the vehicle was not expected to be operational until early this year.

This week, on Monday, Germany’s Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the vehicle “will be registered, it has not yet been registered, but I would say that the implementation of our plan is imminent,” the AP reported.

The French Foreign Ministry told CNN on Thursday that a joint statement regarding the payment vehicle would be sent out later in the day when the foreign ministers of the EU meet in Romania’s capital Bucharest.

 

https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Europe-Sets-Up-Payment-Vehicle-For-Iran-Trade-To-Sidestep-US-Sanctions.html

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • yota691 changed the title to Iranian official calls for negotiations with Washington in Iraq
  • yota691 locked this topic
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.



×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.