US hits Iran with new sanctions targeting petrochemicals
The Trump administration on Friday hit Iran with new sanctions that target its largest petrochemical company for providing support to the Revolutionary Guard Corps.
sanctions
Iran says EU has failed to salvage 2015 nuclear deal – state TV
Iran criticized on Monday the European signatories of its 2015 nuclear deal for failing to salvage the pact after President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of it last year and reimposed sanctions, state television reported.
U.S. tightens Venezuela oil sanctions, indicates more actions to come
The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday tightened its pressure on Venezuela’s state-owned oil company by making clear that exports of diluents by international shippers could be subject to U.S. sanctions.
Iran Continues Quest for Nukes in Spite of International Agreements
The Iranian quest for nuclear weapons continues unabated, according to Olli Heinonen, former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that monitors nuclear developments worldwide.
Russia Withdraws Key Defense Advisers in Venezuela
Russia has pulled its key defense advisers from Venezuela amid U.S. pressure on the failing regime of President Nicolás Maduro, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
Pompeo: Trump admin willing to talk to Iran ‘with no preconditions’ as tensions hit boiling point
Just weeks after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a renewed ‘pressure campaign’ targeting Iran’s energy sector, America’s top diplomat said Sunday the Trump administration is willing to talk with Iran ‘with no preconditions’ — but he added that debilitating sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy will remain in effect.
UN atomic agency says Iran nuclear stockpiles growing, but still within limits
The UN atomic watchdog said Friday Iran continues to stay within the limitations set by the nuclear deal reached in 2015 with major powers, though its stockpiles of low-enriched uranium and heavy water are growing.
Iran and Russia Say Meeting of 2015 Nuclear Accord Partners ‘Might Facilitate’ New Talks
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov and chief Iranian nuclear negotiator Abbas Araqchi discussed the 2015 Nuclear Accord in Tehran on May 29, calling for a meeting of the six countries party to the agreement that would hear Iranian complaints.
Iran Resumes 3.76% Enrichment of Uranium, Bucking Trump’s Offer for a Phone Call
Iran has resumed its enrichment of uranium, quadrupling its enrichment capacity, the Iranian state-run IRNA news agency reports.
Half of American adults expect war with Iran ‘within next few years’
Half of all Americans believe that the United States will go to war with Iran ‘within the next few years,’ according to a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll released on Tuesday amid increased tensions between the two countries.
Iran’s Rouhani rejects talks with Washington
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani rejected talks with the United States on Tuesday, after President Donald Trump said Iran would call and ask for negotiations ‘if and when they are ever ready’.
Trump Announces End of Steel and Aluminum Sanctions for Canada and Mexico
The U.S. has gotten rid of its steel and aluminum tariffs on Mexican and Canadian exports, signaling a rebirth of negotiations for a new free trade deal between the three countries to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Iran’s defense minister: ‘We will defeat the American-Zionist front’
Iran’s defense minister said Wednesday his country would defeat the US-Israel alliance in the region, amid rising tensions and fears of a potential war between Iran and the US.
’Sabotage Attack’ on Saudi Oil Tankers Means “Security of Oil Supplies to Consumers All Over the World” at Stake: Saudi Energy Minister
Four oil tankers were attacked in the Middle East Sunday, leaving no casualties but significant structural damage to the vessels, and possibly confirming reports on Israeli television Friday that had warned of Iran’s intentions to strike back at Saudi oil assets.
France, Britain, and Germany Remain Stalwart in Face of Iranian ‘Ultimatum’
France, Britain, and Germany, the European signatories to the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran, held the Islamic Republic to its commitments as outlined in the deal this week in spite of recent threats from Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to resume high-level enrichment of uranium.
US seizes North Korea cargo ship linked to exporting tons of coal in violation of international sanctions
U.S. authorities have seized one of North Korea’s largest cargo ships in connection with a scheme to illicitly export tons of coal in violation of international sanctions, Justice Department officials said Thursday.
EU rejects any ultimatums after Iran’s move on nuclear deal
European countries said on Thursday they wanted to preserve Iran’s nuclear deal and rejected ‘ultimatums’ from Tehran, after Iran scaled back curbs on its nuclear program and threatened moves that might breach the pact.
EU Leaders Say Escalation Must Be Avoided In Iran Crisis; Trump ‘Open To Talk’ To Iran
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have cautioned against an escalation in the dispute over Iran’s nuclear deal after Tehran said it would stop abiding by parts of the deal and U.S. President Donald Trump said he was open to talks with Iranian leaders.
U.S. Slaps New Sanctions On Iran As Tehran Threatens More Uranium Enrichment
The United States tightened the screws further on Iran with sanctions on its metal industry on the day Tehran said it was suspending some of its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.
Iranian President and Foreign Minister Offer Western Nations ‘A Narrowing Window’ To Renegotiate Nuclear Deal
Iranian President Hassan Rouani threatened Wednesday to resume enrichment of uranium if the terms of the 2015 nuclear accord, from which the U.S. withdrew this time last year, were not renegotiated within 60 days among the powers that remain signatories to it.