Trump says US ‘moving forward’ with additional sanctions on Iran

[yota691]

Iraq is leading major diplomatic moves to resolve the Iran-US crisis

Monday May 27, 40

 

 

Baghdad / Al-Sabah

 

The foreign relations committee revealed what it described as "major diplomatic moves" led by Iraq to defuse a possible war between Iran and the United States, indicating that the visit of Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif to Baghdad comes within the framework of talks on easing tensions in the region, while Fatah alliance adopted an "important" dialogue with the three presidencies to discuss several issues, particularly the foreign military presence and the crisis between Tehran and Washington. The coalition called for an expanded meeting of leaders and presidencies to unify the situation on the crisis.

"Iraq is striving to avoid a war in the region, where there are large-scale discussions from various political parties with the countries of the region to calm things down and ease the tension between Iran and America," committee member Malhan Makotar said in a press statement. Zarif's visit to Iraq comes within the framework of strengthening the discussions among the countries of the region in light of the tension in relations between Washington and Tehran ».

"There is great caution in the Gulf and in Iraq in particular to find a formula to resolve the dispute between America and Iran, because the outbreak of war will result in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and thus damage the region's economy and oil exports, especially to Iraq, which exports 80 percent of its oil through Hormuz," he said.

"The past period witnessed a great escalation between the two countries, but the moves from various countries, foremost of which Iraq is seeking to resolve the conflict, despite the insistence of each country on conditions, where Iran rejects the conditions of America and rejects the latter what Iran says, and therefore things can not be predicted At its end in light of the American escalation and diplomatic moves in the region to defuse the war ».

In an effort to reduce tension and escalation between the two countries, the MP of the Fatah Alliance, Karim Aliwi, said in a press statement: "His coalition has adopted a dialogue with the three presidencies dealing with many files that concern national security as well as the political situation, Special grades ».

Alawi said that «one of the most important files that will discuss the alliance with the presidencies is the issue of foreign military presence in Iraq, especially US forces because of the risks in the light of tension between Tehran and Washington», pointing out that «the discussions will not be without the need to unify the situation towards the crisis of Tehran and Washington And the need to expedite the formation of delegations important to defuse the war ».

On the other hand, the MP of the Building Alliance Charter Hamdi, in a press statement, «bilateral and tripartite meetings and meetings between the leaders and heads of authorities received during the last period and is still continuing on the escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington», pointing out that «need to expand and clarify To see the state and government in the direction of the crisis ».

"Iraq must be united in the resolution on the position of escalation between America and Iran, and this position has been expressed by the government and the rest of the presidencies as well as most of the political leaders, but it lacks official documentation."

"The unification of the political decision requires a meeting or an official conference of all political leaders and the participation of the three presidencies," Al-Hamidi said, asking the leaders to "also move to support the Iraqi mediation efforts to stave off war between the two countries and resort to the negotiating table."

It is noteworthy that the visit of Iran's third foreign minister to Baghdad comes after the escalation of tension with the United States in the region.

Zarif made an Asian tour during the last few days, including Turkmenistan, India, Japan, China and then Pakistan, for talks with senior officials on bilateral relations and regional and international developments, particularly with regard to the nuclear agreement and US Against Iran.

[yota691]

27-05-2019 08:48 PM

Washington: We have not yet decided to grant Iraq new exemptions on Iranian gas

 

 

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - 
The United States has not yet decided to grant Iraq new exemptions for Iranian gas imported by Baghdad to power power plants, a US State Department source said on Monday. 
The site "Russia Today" the source "not named", saying that "Iraq has exceptions to purchase gas from Iran until June 16, and Washington has not decided to extend the exceptions or not." 
He added that "there are Iraqi requests for exceptions and attempts to explain Washington's need for Iranian gas, but any decision to extend has not been issued so far." 
The US White House announced on April 22, 2019, that US President Donald Trump had decided not to renew the exemption from sanctions imposed on Iran by China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy and Greece.

[6ly410]

Japan offers US-Iran mediation – Tehran is willing to listen: official 

By Rudaw 1 hour ago 

80Viewshttp://www.rudaw.net/mobile/english/middleeast/iran/28052019

         

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks with US President Donald Trump in Yokosuka, Japan, May 28, 2019. Photo: Charly Triballeau / pool / AFP 

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Tehran is prepared to hear out Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe when he visits Iran in mid-June to offer mediation in the Islamic Republic’s dispute with the United States, Iran’s foreign ministry said Tuesday. 
 

“I don’t want to use the term ‘mediation’ and expressing readiness to reduce tension, however we would listen to views of other countries that have good intentions and follow events in the region with concern,” Seyyed Abbas Mousavi, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, told reportersTuesday when asked about Abe's visit. 

Mousavi said the Japanese PM’s visit “could be a turning point in Iran-Japan relations”.

Tokyo’s state broadcaster NHK reported Tuesday night: “Japanese officials have begun final adjustments for the mid-June meetings with supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.” 

In a joint press conference with Abe in Tokyo on Monday, US President Donald Trump told reporters Washington is not interested in regime change in Tehran, but warned that obtaining nuclear weapons is still a red line. 

“I’m not looking ... to hurt Iran at all. I’m looking to have Iran say ‘no nuclear weapons’.  It has a chance to be a great country with the same leadership. We’re not looking for regime change,” Trump said. 

Iran has repeatedly said it is not interested in holding negotiations with US until the sanctions re-imposed on its economy and oil sector last November are lifted.

Before the sanctions were reintroduced, Japan was one of Iran’s biggest oil customers. Enjoying close relations both with Washington and Tehran, Tokyo could play a critical role in defusing tensions.

The US has upped the ante on Iran in recent weeks, deploying an aircraft carrier group and B-52 bombers to the Persian Gulf, with and a further 1,500 troops and fighter jets to come in the near future. The show of military might came in response to an unspecified threat posed by Iran and its Iraqi proxies.

Trump withdrew from the landmark nuclear deal with Iran in May 2018, claiming it did not prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology. Nor did it stop Tehran interfering in regional affairs. 

Iran is expected to hold nationwide rallies on Friday to denounce Israel and the US, which could raise tensions with Washington further. 

The Iranian government holds the so-called ‘Quds rally’ on the last Friday of Ramadan each year to call for the liberation of Jerusalem.

Iranian hardliners often burn an effigy of the sitting US president and the flags of Israel and the US.

 

[Butifldrm]

Abdul Mahdi: We will have a visit to Washington and Tehran to discuss the situation in the region

15:37 - 28/05/2019

0

Information / Baghdad ...

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi revealed on Tuesday an expected visit to the United States and Iran, the aim of the visit is to discuss the situation of the region and ease the Iranian-American tension.

"We will have an upcoming visit to Washington and Tehran to discuss the situation in the region," Abdul Mahdi said during the weekly press conference. "The visit to Kuwait achieved positive results and came out with good agreements."

He added that "the Iraqi government moves towards a truce to spare Iraq the consequences of the sanctions imposed on Tehran." End 25 T

https://www.almaalomah.com/2019/05/28/408842/

[Butifldrm]

India is considering resuming import of Iranian oil

13:55 - 28/05/2019

0

Information / Baghdad ..

The new government is looking forward to holding talks with Iran as soon as possible to begin importing oil using the rupee to bypass the US embargo imposed on Iran, government sources said on Tuesday.

"The government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Moody plans to resume talks with Iran to consider ways to re-import oil from them," the Indian daily Brent quoted an official familiar with the Indian government as saying.

"The Indian government is in the process of importing oil from Iran in a limited manner despite the US embargo imposed on it," the official said.

Another Indian official said it was likely that Iran's Pasarkad Bank, which was recently authorized to open a branch in Mumbai, would be used by the Indian government to carry out oil deals.

He stressed that the talks between Iran and India had started a while ago, but stopped because of the Indian general elections, pointing out that talks with Iran has become a priority of the Indian government.

India's Bharat Petroleum recently filed a demand for one million barrels of oil in June 2018, higher than its previous orders despite the US threat and the ban on Iran. Ending / 25

https://www.almaalomah.com/2019/05/28/408809/

[Butifldrm]

Iraq plans to double its import of Iranian gas

 

 

 

 

 

Musab al-Mudarab, spokesman for the Ministry of Electricity

Economy News Baghdad Iraq will double its import of Iranian gas at the beginning of next month to raise the production capacity to more than 2,800 megawatts, the Ministry of Electricity announced. "Iraq is currently relying on the operation of 2,800 megawatts of Iranian gas, via the Diwali and Basra ports, through the import of 28 million cubic meters per day," ministry spokesman Musab al-Mudar said in a statement. "This import is not affected by US sanctions, because Iraq is committed to it and deals with Iran with the Iraqi dinar, not the dollar, and all remittances are made through the Iraqi Central Bank," he said, adding that "Iraq will double its imports to 38 million cubic meters." Transparently ".

Views 99   Date Added 28/05/2019 http://economy-news.net/content.php?id=16775

[Pitcher]

https://www.thebaghdadpost.com/en/Story/41069/Trump-s-national-security-adviser-John-Bolton-arrives-in-UAE-for-talks
 

Trump's national security adviser John Bolton arrives in UAE for talks

Trump's national security adviser John Bolton arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday ahead of talks scheduled for Wednesday, he said in tweet, amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

"Just landed in the UAE. Looking forward to meeting with our Emirati allies tomorrow to discuss important and timely regional security matters," Bolton posted on Twitter.

Tensions have risen between Iran and the United States after an attack this month on oil tankers in the Gulf. Washington, a close ally of Iran's regional rivals Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, blamed the attacks on Tehran, which denied the accusations.

Bolton said last week that the United States had "deep and serious" intelligence on threats posed by Iran, without providing details.

Washington has deployed a carrier strike group and bombers and announced plans to deploy 1,500 troops to the Middle East, prompting fears of a conflict.

Separately on Tuesday Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said his country was ready to engage in dialogue with Gulf Arab countries in order to address the escalating tensions during a visit to Doha, the final stop in a three-country tour that included Kuwait and Oman.

Saudi Arabia will host two emergency Arab summits in Mecca on May 30 to discuss the implications of recent drone strikes on oil installations in the kingdom, and the vessel attacks off the UAE coast.

[yota691]

World awaits the summit of Mecca "Arabic and Gulf"

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

 28 May 2019 11:00 pm

From Mustafa Reda

Mubasher: The world's attention will be on Thursday, following the invitation of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, to two emergency summits, one Gulf and one Arab .

The importance of the Arab and Gulf summits comes from the political and economic tensions experienced by the region and the world at large .

  - Saudi market surges 28.76 billion riyals with the start of the accession to "MSCI"

  - Emir of Qatar receives invitation from king of Saudi Arabia to attend two summits in Mecca

The region was experiencing severe tensions recently, which was manifested in the exposure of four ships to subversive operations near the territorial waters of the UAE, followed by two pumping stations to the East-West pipeline, which transfers Saudi oil from oil fields in the Eastern Province to the port of Yanbu on the west coast, Unmanned drone .

He adds to regional events the harshest tensions between the United States and the regime in Iran, following the Donald Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal last year and the restoration of economic sanctions on Tehran .

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on May 22 that " everyone in the region is living in extremely precarious and dangerous conditions and is also aware of the rapid pace of escalation in our region ."

The growing regional events, in a global arena no less hot and tense, are the economic conflict between the United States, the world's largest economy against the Asian giant and the world of China, manifested in the imposition of reciprocal fees on products from both countries, as well as the recent technological war on the surface With the company "Huawei ".

On May 19, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud called on GCC leaders and leaders of Arab countries to hold two Gulf and Arab summits in Mecca on Thursday, May 30, 2019 .

Arab countries welcomed the invitation of Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to hold two Gulf and Arab summits in Makkah on Thursday (May 30th) .

For its part, the Arab Affairs Committee of the Egyptian House of Representatives confirmed that the Arab and Gulf summits in Mecca are an opportunity to confront the crises in the region .

[6ly410]

Iraqi PM to Visit Washington, Tehran Soon

 

BasNews 28/05/2019 - 22:05 Published in Iraq

 

http://www.basnews.com/index.php/en/news/iraq/523899

ERBIL - Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi is expected to visit Washington and Tehran in the near future in hopes of defusing the tensions between the two countries.

Ties between the US and Iran have lately deteriorated drastically while the former has already deployed forces to the Gulf in order to counter the latter if Washington's interests or allies in the region are hurt by Iran or Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias in Iraq.

Abdul-Mahdi said last week that it had plans to send separate delegations to both the US and Iran to mediate between the two sides.

However, as reported by Al-Sumariyah News, the Iraqi premier will discuss the matter and "the latest regional developments" with officials from both countries during his visits.

The Iraqi prime minister's aim in his visit is also to attempt to make a truce "to save the country from the repercussions of sanctions on Iran," according to the report, citing the premier with no further details.

Edited May 29, 2019 by 6ly410

[yota691]

US State Department: We are ready to negotiate if Iran takes our 12 conditions seriously

World | 09:23 - 28/05/2019

 

 

 

 

Baghdad Mawazine News

The State Department said Tuesday that we are prepared to negotiate with Iran if our 12 conditions are taken seriously. 
A spokesman for the State Department said Washington would maintain a campaign of extreme pressure on Tehran. 
Following the withdrawal of Washington from the Iranian nuclear agreement, a strategy of 12 conditions was declared: 
1 - stop attempts to develop nuclear weapons. 
2. Allow IAEA inspectors access to all nuclear sites. 
3. Cease the production of any missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. 
4. Detect its previous efforts to build a nuclear weapon. 
5. Stop supporting terrorism, especially Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad. 
6. Stop supporting Shiite militias in the region and the Houthis. 
7. Withdrawing its forces from Syria. 
8. Stop supporting the Taliban and terrorist groups in Afghanistan. 
9 - stop hosting al-Qaeda leaders.
10 - Stop the threat of neighboring countries. 
11. Release all American detainees in Iran. 
12. Stop electronic piracy. 
Trump had previously threatened Iran with a firm and painful response if it moved or carried out any hostile action against US troops in the region or US allies, amid rising tension between the two countries, especially after the United States sent an aircraft carrier and rocket launchers last week. What she said was in response to information confirming the existence of Iranian threats and threats. 
He stressed that "Iran is behind all the problems and unrest in the Middle East," explaining that "Tehran has left more than 14 attacks." "I will definitely send more troops to ward off Iran's threat if necessary," he said, adding that he did not need it at the moment. 
Ended 
m h n 

[yota691]

US National Security Adviser John Bolton arrives in UAE to discuss regional security and recent developments

World | 10:30 - 28/05/2019

 

 

 

 

Follow up Mawazine News 

US Secretary of State John Bolton arrives in the UAE on Tuesday to discuss security issues in the region. 
Bolton's visit comes amid tense relations with Tehran, coinciding with three summits in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and Friday to discuss Gulf security. 
Bolton, known for his neoconservatives, issued a "clear and unequivocal warning to the Iranian regime" on May 5, announcing the dispatch of an aircraft carrier to the Gulf region in response to "Iranian threats." 
The US embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Monday that a meeting with Bolton would be held during a visit to the UAE capital without confirming the date of his visit. 
The region has been tense amid military threats since US sanctions on Iran's oil sector were tightened in early May.
On Thursday, Mecca will host two Arab and Gulf summits to discuss these developments, as well as a regular summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) next Friday. 
Ended 
m h n 

[yota691]

Rowhani: The door to talks was not closed if America lifted sanctions and carried out its obligations

World | 01:42 - 29/05/2019

 

 

 

Mawazine News 
Iranian President Hassan Rowhani said that "the road to negotiations with the United States is open in the event that it abided by its commitments contained in the comprehensive joint action plan (the nuclear agreement)." 
"The road to the United States will be on the brink of lifting all sanctions against Tehran," he told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, according to Iran's state-run Press TV. 
He explained that "the steadfastness of Iran made US President Donald Trump issued contradictory statements," pointing out that "the US sanctions targeted the Iranian people not the regime and our people suffered greatly during the month of Ramadan." 
The Iranian president stressed that his country "will not abandon Jerusalem and the oppressed peoples in the region," noting that "the Tehran standard acts of the United States and its executive decisions and not statements and statements contradictory"
Rohani said that the Iranian people have been for 40 years defending the oppressed and confronting the aggressors and that he has provided support and support to other peoples. The prominent example of this is what the Iranian people have presented to the oppressed peoples in Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Yemen. 
"In the past, the Palestinians had only stones to defend themselves. Today, thanks to the efforts and sacrifices and the development of their internal industries, they have the tools to direct a decisive response to the enemy," Rouhani said. 
"The rockets are the answer to the rockets, so the Zionists have been forced in 48 hours to retreat after their iron fist failed in the face of the Palestinian rockets."

[yota691]

Bolton: On the day of the attack on the UAE ships, another attack on Saudi Arabia failed

- 30 Minutes Ago

US National Security Adviser John Bolton said it was almost certain that Iran was behind the attack on ships off the coast of the UAE, pointing out that there had been a "failed attack on Yanbu" also at the time of attacks on tankers.

Bolton, who is visiting the UAE, said Washington was consulting with its allies in the region and was trying to be responsible for its response to Iran's activities and agents in the Gulf.

He stressed that his country should be cautious and responsible in its response to Iran's activities in the region, adding that Washington is very concerned about the use of the Quds Force Shiite militias in Iraq to attack US troops indirectly.

Bolton arrived in the UAE on Tuesday evening to discuss the regional situation.

"I just landed in the UAE and I look forward to meeting with our allies tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss important regional security issues," Bolton said in a tweet on Twitter.

The Gulf region is experiencing growing tension between the United States and Iran over Washington's sanctions on Tehran and accusations of the latter trying to destabilize the region.

Sabotage operations 
and more than two weeks ago confirmed that the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers four ships a civilian commercial shipping of several nationalities for what he described as subversive operations near the territorial waters of the UAE, without stating the nature of the operations or determine the party that stands behind them.

The ministry said in a statement that the operations against the four vessels occurred off Fujairah, near the territorial waters, and in the economic waters of the UAE.

She added that the investigation is underway on the circumstances of the accident in cooperation with local and international bodies, and that the parties concerned will raise the results when the completion of its procedures.

The UAE Foreign Ministry said that the operations did not cause any human damage or injuries, and did not result in any leakage of harmful substances or fuel from these vessels.

Source: Al Jazeera + Agencies

[Butifldrm]

 

2019/05/29 11:30

• Number of readings 119
• Section: Iraq
•  

The Iranian Embassy in Iraq: We did not ask for mediation from Iraq on our crisis with Washington

BAGHDAD (AP) - The Iranian embassy in Iraq said on Wednesday that it had not asked for mediation from Iraq over its crisis with Washington, which it said was unfair to the Iranian people and praised the position of Iraq and its people with Iran. Was successful and came to translate the recent meetings and agreements between the two countries on the ground.

"The recent positions of the government and the people of Iraq with Iran proved a great goodwill of this people, especially after the Iranian people were subjected to the unjust embargo imposed by the United States of America through economic sanctions, all because of the support of Iran," Deputy Ambassador Musa al-Tabtabai told media outlets. To the peoples of the region, especially the oppressed, such as the people of Palestine and its cause, which is part of the Iranian principles. "

He pointed out that "the visit of Foreign Minister Mohammed Jawad Zarif to Iraq aims to activate the agreements that were previously held during a spiritual visit to Iraq or those agreed upon during the visit of Abdul Mahdi, Saleh and Halbusi to Tehran."

Al-Tabtabai said that his country, during Zarif's visit, did not ask Iraq to intervene to allow the opening of a dialogue window between Tehran and Washington and that his country would consider the possibility of returning to dialogues with the United States if the US government to withdraw from the nuclear agreement, which was a withdrawal without logic, Iran unjust conditions will not accept them, where the face of the US on the real body, "he said.

In a related context, the deputy ambassador pointed out that "all that is happening is the programming of the Zionists against the peoples of the region, to be against each other, and thus benefit Israel from that situation, and America in turn, always declare that Iran is a danger to the region," adding that " Iran does not interfere with the affairs of other countries, but it supports them especially in the fight against terrorism at the request of official governments, as happened in Iraq and Syria, while Washington has camps "military bases" in the region and enter into the affairs of countries, "noting that Iran has been and still aim to improve relationship With the region, which is the speech adopted by the President of the Republic and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ni and official.

Follow the obelisk

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/171932/السفارة-الإيرانية-في-العراق-لم-نطلب-الوساطة-من-العراق-بشأن-أزمتنا-مع-واشنطن

 

[yota691]

Government source: Iraq will receive another exemption from US sanctions for another 90 days

Political | 02:26 - 29/05/2019

 

 

 

BAGHDAD - 
A senior government source said on Wednesday that Iraq will receive another exemption from US sanctions on Iran for another 90 days. 
The source said that "Iraq will soon be exempt from US sanctions on Iran for at least another 90 days, renewable." 
He pointed out that "the departure of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi and his ministerial team to Iran and then the United States, will carry one message, which is a hope that Iraq remains away from the current conflict, and give him the exception that is linked to his fragile security and political situation."

[yota691]

29-05-2019 09:14 AM

Karbouli describes Iran's options to America as "time"

 

 

Baghdad

The head of the Al-Hal Party, Gamal Karbouli, described Iran's options as "time" for America.

"When the Iranian Foreign Ministry says: Iran will not negotiate with America, then what is the other option of Iran?" Karbouli said through his official Twitter account.

And the tail of Bhagatag said: "Options-are-times."

 

[yota691]

29-05-2019 12:58 PM

Allawi: Iraq has no possibility of mediating between America and Iran

 

 

Baghdad

The leader of the National Coalition Iyad Allawi, on Tuesday, a condition of his own in the Iranian nuclear file, while stressing that Iraq has no possibility of mediating between the United States and Iran.

"I spoke frankly with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif during his recent visit to Iraq and I told him practically that I am against the war and Iraq has no possibility of fortifying itself from the war," Allawi said in a televised statement.

"At the same time, we do not see that Iran's actions are all acceptable in its interference in the affairs of the region," he said, adding that "America has contributed to bringing things to what it is now and contributed to Iranian expansion."

Allawi said that "in 2010 won the Iraqi List and stood against it America is the case of Iran," asserting that "there is a book in the name of (the world as it is) to Ben Roots published in June 2018 was a secret negotiator on the Iranian nuclear file, And Iraq in the elections, Iran has resented strong resentment and was told that if America supports the winners, we will cut negotiations on the issue of nuclear file. "

On Iraq's mediation over the crisis between the United States and Iran, Allawi said that "Iraq has no possibility nor is in its strong role, which can impose his opinion on America and Iran."

He added that "Iraq is a fragile country and not strong and we do not have an army is relying on the popular crowd, and still have problems with the Kurds and now there are fires eating crops," noting that "the structure of Iraq is incomplete and not strong, according to former Defense Minister Khaled al-Obeidi 20% ".

[yota691]

27-05-2019 08:48 PM

Washington: We have not yet decided to grant Iraq new exemptions on Iranian gas

 

 

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - 
The United States has not yet decided to grant Iraq new exemptions for Iranian gas imported by Baghdad to power power plants, a US State Department source said on Monday. 
The site "Russia Today" the source "not named", saying that "Iraq has exceptions to purchase gas from Iran until June 16, and Washington has not decided to extend the exceptions or not." 
He added that "there are Iraqi requests for exceptions and attempts to explain Washington's need for Iranian gas, but any decision to extend has not been issued so far." 
The US White House announced on April 22, 2019, that US President Donald Trump had decided not to renew the exemption from sanctions imposed on Iran by China, India, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy and Greece.

[Butifldrm]

A party expects US sanctions to affect Iraq because of the minister's comments

 

Policy ,Iran ,Iraq ,USsanctions

 2019/05/29 02:48:58

A- A A +

Iraq's Constitutional Future Party predicted on Wednesday that US sanctions would be imposed on Iraq because of comments made by Foreign Minister Mohammad Ali al-Hakim in which he announced his country's support for Iran.

"The statements made by al-Hakim during his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Jawad Zarif put Iraq in the eye of the battle at the time. It was necessary to say that we stand with the international community with the United States of America against any attack on the international community," said party head Entafad Qanbar. And against terrorism issued by Iran. "

"The statements of the Iraqi Foreign Minister, hit the interest of the Iraqi people and the interest of the region, the US sanctions may apply to Iraq, because of the statements of his foreign minister, the disgraceful indeed."

In a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif during his visit to Baghdad on Sunday, al-Hakim renewed Iraq's stance by rejecting what he called "unilateral measures" toward Iran, stressing that Baghdad stands with Tehran.

https://www.shafaaq.com/ar/سیاسة/حزب-يتوقع-عقوبات-امريكية-تطال-العراق-بسبب-تصريحات-وزير/

[blueskyline]

https://m.thebaghdadpost.com/ar/Story/168269/ضربة-قاصمة-لملالي-طهران-الصين-تتوقف-عن-استيراد-النفط-الإيراني.......

 

 

May 29, 2019 12:32 AM

 

 

China stops importing Iranian oil

 In a new blow to the Iranian regime, China stopped buying oil from Iran as US sanctions came into force, a blow to the Iranian economy as China is Iran 'sbiggest importer. After Washington announced its decision not to extend exemptions to some countries for continuing to buy oil from Iran, China,along with other countries such as India, Turkey, South Korea and Japan, stopped completely buying direct Iranian oil 

, international newspapers said, citing sources in the Iranian oil sector . The newspaper pointed out that in mid-May, the mobilization of a Chinese tanker in the mouth of oil on the island of Kharg Iran.



" China has enough problems with the US side, so it does not want to give Washington a new excuse to complicate bilateral relations more," an Iranian source said in a press statement . 

For his part, Rahim Zari, member of the Economic Committee of the Iranian parliament, said that these five countries, Taiwan, Greece and Italy, last March purchased 1.6 million barrels of Iranian oil per day. 

"These countries are already committed to US sanctions, at the moment." 

This comes in light of the tense situation between America and Iran, and the imposition of strict sanctions on the Iranian regime to stop supporting terrorist activities, in addition to blatant interventions

[Butifldrm]

Iranian naval mines likely used in UAE tanker attacks: Bolton

Previous

REUTERS

May 29, 201907:19

The UAE has not yet blamed anyone for the sabotage of four vessels, including two Saudi tankers

‘I think it is clear these (tanker attacks) were naval mines almost certainly from Iran’

ABU DHABI: US National Security Adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday that attacks on oil tankers off the coast of the United Arab Emirates this month were the work of “naval mines almost certainly from Iran.”
The UAE has not yet blamed anyone for the sabotage of four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, which was followed two days later by drone strikes on oil pumping stations in Saudi Arabia.
Riyadh accused Tehran of ordering the strikes, which were claimed by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement. Iran has denied involvement in either attack.
“I think it is clear these (tanker attacks) were naval mines almost certainly from Iran,” Bolton told reporters in Abu Dhabi but declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation in which the United States is taking part.
He said the tanker attacks were connected to the strike on oil pumping stations on Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline and a rocket attack on the Green Zone in the Iraqi capital Baghdad.

 

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman meanwhile dismissed the remarks made by Bolton that Iranian naval mines likely used in the UAE tanker attacks, Fars News said.
Bolton also said there had been an unsuccessful attack on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu a couple of days before the operation off the coast of the UAE. Saudi officials were not immediately available to for comment.
“We take all of this very seriously,” he said. “These attacks were unfortunately consistent with the very serious threat information that we had been obtaining. It is one reason we increased our deterrent capability in the region.”
Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated since US President Donald Trump withdrew from a pact, signed with other major powers, designed to curb Tehran’s nuclear activities.
The Trump administration has tightened sanctions on Iran, notably targeting its key oil exports, and beefed up its military presence in the Gulf, accusing the Islamic Republic of threats to US troops and interests.
Bolton said the United States was trying to be “prudent and responsible” in its approach. “The point is to make it clear to Iran and its surrogates that these kinds of activities risk a very strong response from the Americans.” Iran says the United States is indulging in psychological warfare and that it will not be cowed.

http://www.arabnews.com/node/1503571/middle-east

[Butifldrm]

U.S. Warns Europe That Its Iran Workaround Could Face Sanctions

By 

Jonathan Stearns

 and 

Helene Fouquet

May 29, 2019, 9:01 AM CDT

 

Treasury’s Mandelker warned Instex chief in May 7 letter

 

 

 

The Trump administration escalated its battle with European allies over the fate of the Iran nuclear accord, threatening penalties against the financial body created by Germany, the U.K. and France to shield trade with the Islamic Republic from U.S. sanctions.

Sigal Mandelker, the Treasury Department’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, signaled in a May 7 letter obtained by Bloomberg that Instex, the European vehicle to sustain trade with Tehran, and anyone associated with it could be barred from the U.S. financial system if it goes into effect.

“I urge you to carefully consider the potential sanctions exposure of Instex,” Mandelker wrote in the letter to Instex President Per Fischer. “Engaging in activities that run afoul of U.S. sanctions can result in severe consequences, including a loss of access to the U.S. financial system.”

Germany, France and the U.K. created Instex in January to allow companies to trade with Iran without the use of U.S. dollars or American banks -- thus allowing them to get around wide-ranging U.S. sanctions that were imposed after the Trump administration abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last year.

Read a QuickTake on what Europe can and can’t do to save the nuclear deal

A senior official involved in the internal debate that led to the letter said the U.S. decided to issue the threat after concluding that European officials, who had earlier downplayed the significance of Instex in conversations with the Trump administration, were far more serious about it than they had initially let on.

The official, who asked not to be identified discussing internal deliberations, said the letter was intended to serve as a warning that the U.S. would punish anyone associated with Instex -- including businesses, government officials and staff -- if they were working to set up a program to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions.

“This is a shot across the bow of a European political establishment committed to using Instex and its sanctions-connected Iranian counterpart to circumvent U.S. measures,” said Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive officer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington.

Deceptive Practices

Asked to comment on the letter, the Treasury Department issued a statement saying “entities that transact in trade with the Iranian regime through any means may expose themselves to considerable sanctions risk, and Treasury intends to aggressively enforce our authorities.”

The French Finance Ministry, which handles press queries for Instex, had no immediate comment.

European countries broadly opposed Trump’s decision to withdraw from the nuclear accord but have struggled to deliver the economic benefits Iran expected from the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, since the U.S. quit. In the meantime, U.S. sanctions have delivered a blow to Iran’s economy, fueling inflation, reducing oil revenue and pressuring President Hassan Rouhani’s government. Instex was supposed to help address that, but so far it has largely failed to get up and running.

Iranian leaders have rejected the U.S. moves while pressuring European nations to accelerate efforts to ensure Iran benefits from staying in the JCPOA. At the same time, Iran has said it will scale back some of its commitments under the accord, signaling it could surpass some limits on enriched-uranium in weeks.

At the heart of the latest U.S. move is the argument that Iran and its central bank use deceptive financial practices and haven’t implemented minimum global safeguards against money laundering and terrorism financing.

Pompeo Warning

Opponents of Instex, including Dubowitz’s Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argue that the mechanism is flawed because the Iranian institution designated to work with Instex, the Special Trade and Finance Instrument, has shareholders with links to entities already facing sanctions from the U.S.

During a visit to London on May 8, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo also warned that there was no need for Instex because the U.S. allows for humanitarian and medical products to get into Iran without sanction.

“When transactions move beyond that, it doesn’t matter what vehicle’s out there, if the transaction is sanctionable, we will evaluate it, review it, and if appropriate, levy sanctions against those that were involved in that transaction,” Pompeo said. “It’s very straightforward.”

— With assistance by Nick Wadhams, Saleha Mohsin, and Gregory Viscusi

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-29/u-s-warns-europe-that-its-iran-workaround-could-face-sanctions

[Butifldrm]

US Threatens Europe With "Loss Of Access To US Financial System" Over SWIFT-Evading Iran SPV

by Tyler Durden

Wed, 05/29/2019 - 10:39

 

It's going from bad to worse for Europe, whose currency had just hit session lows after Brussels confirmed that Italy faces a massive fine over its debt, when the Euro was hit with a double whammy after Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration is escalating its battle with "European allies" over the fate of the Iran nuclear accord, and is "threatening penalties against the financial body created by Germany, the U.K. and France to shield trade with the Islamic Republic from U.S. sanctions."

According to Bloomberg, the Treasury Department’s undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, Sigal Mandelker, sent a letter on May 7 warning that Instex, the European SPV to sustain trade with Tehran, and anyone associated with it could be barred from the U.S. financial system if it goes into effect.

As a reminder, last September, in order to maintain a financial relationship with Iran that can not be vetoed by the US, Europe unveiled a "Special Purpose Vehicle" to bypass SWIFT. Back then we predicted that Washington would not be too delighted with this development seeking to undermine the dollar's reserve status. We were right.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif

“I urge you to carefully consider the potential sanctions exposure of Instex,” Mandelker wrote in the letter to Instex President Per Fischer. "Engaging in activities that run afoul of U.S. sanctions can result in severe consequences, including a loss of access to the U.S. financial system."

Germany, France and the U.K. finalized the Instex system in January, allowing companies to trade with Iran without the use of U.S. dollars or American banks, allowing them to get around wide-ranging U.S. sanctions that were imposed after the Trump administration abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last year.

Not surprisingly, a senior admin official behind the eltter said the U.S. decided to issue the threat "after concluding that European officials, who had earlier downplayed the significance of Instex in conversations with the Trump administration, were far more serious about it than they had initially let on."

The official, who asked not to be identified discussing internal deliberations, said the letter was intended to serve as a warning that the U.S. would punish anyone associated with Instex -- including businesses, government officials and staff -- if they were working to set up a program to help Iran evade U.S. sanctions.

“This is a shot across the bow of a European political establishment committed to using Instex and its sanctions-connected Iranian counterpart to circumvent U.S. measures,” said Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive officer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington.

When asked to comment on the letter, the Treasury Department issued a statement saying “entities that transact in trade with the Iranian regime through any means may expose themselves to considerable sanctions risk, and Treasury intends to aggressively enforce our authorities.”

At the heart of the latest US move is the argument that Iran and its central bank use deceptive financial practices and haven’t implemented minimum global safeguards against money laundering and terrorism financing, according to Bloomberg.

While it is obvious that the US ire was sparked by the realization - and alarm - that cracks are appearing in the dollar's reserve status, opponents of Instex argue - at least for public consumption purposes - that the mechanism is flawed because the Iranian institution designated to work with Instex, the Special Trade and Finance Instrument, has shareholders with links to entities already facing sanctions from the U.S.

Meanwhile, during a visit to London on May 8, Mike Pompeo also warned that there was no need for Instex because the U.S. allows for humanitarian and medical products to get into Iran without sanction.

“When transactions move beyond that, it doesn’t matter what vehicle’s out there, if the transaction is sanctionable, we will evaluate it, review it, and if appropriate, levy sanctions against those that were involved in that transaction,” Pompeo said. “It’s very straightforward.”

In 2018, Europe made a huge stink about not being bound by Trump's unilateral breach of the Iranian deal, and said it would continue regardless of US threats. But now that the threats have clearly escalated, and Washington has made it clear it won't take no for an answer, it will be interesting to see if Europe's resolve to take on Trump - especially in light of the trade war with China - has fizzled.

 

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2019-05-29/us-threatens-europe-loss-access-us-financial-system-over-its-iran-funding-spv

Edited May 29, 2019 by Butifldrm

[Pitcher]

https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Irans-Oil-Exports-Plunge-To-400000-Bpd-In-May.html
 

Iran’s Oil Exports Plunge To 400,000 Bpd In May

By Tsvetana Paraskova - May 29, 2019, 10:00 AM CDT

After the U.S. ended all sanction waivers for Iranian oil customers on May 2, Iran’s crude oil exports have been significantly down this month compared to April and more than 2 million bpd off their 2.5-million-bpd peak in April 2018, just before the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and moved to re-impose sanctions on Iran’s oil industry.

According to industry sources and tanker-tracking data cited by Reuters on Wednesday, Iran’s oil exports this month have plummeted to 400,000 bpd, which is less than half of Iranian oil exports last month.

The United States had given eight countries six-month waivers to continue buying oil from Iran after the U.S. re-imposed sanctions on the Iranian oil industry in November. The United States, however, pursued a maximum pressure campaign against Iran last month and put an end to all sanction waivers for all Iranian oil buyers, beginning in May.

Most of the Iranian oil shipments are going this month to Asia, according to tanker tracking data from Refinitiv Eikon and to two industry sources.

One of the sources told Reuters they expected Iran’s average oil shipments this month to be around 400,000 bpd, but the other source noted that exports could hit 500,000 bpd.

Related: Renewables Investment To Overtake Oil & Gas In Asia

Some of Iran’s oil exports are believed to have been already under the radar as Iran is said to have increased the use of the ‘switch-off-the-transponder’ tactic, which makes tracking its exports via the AIS systems increasingly difficult and opaque.

Earlier this month, Iran was spotted resuming illicit shipping of oil to Syria, with a million barrels of oil arriving in early May, for a first such delivery since the start of this year. Experts believe that Iran will be re-opening and using more of its illicit oil channels to keep oil trade and continue getting some revenues from its most precious export commodity.

The inability to fully track Iran’s oil supply is making OPEC and allies’ task to asses global supply to the market increasingly difficult, as opaque data about Iran adds to mounting uncertainty over oil supply disruptions elsewhere, clouding OPEC’s outlook on global supply for the rest of this year.

[jmartin1145]

We had Bagdad Bob. Who will be Tehran ______?