Mike Pompeo's visit to India comes ahead of a meeting between Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi at the G20 Summit in Japan. Watch full video to know more.

Pompeo meets S Jaishankar: India-US joint statement likely at 2 PM

Iran and the current situation in Strait of Hormuz will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-oil-imports-trade-top-agenda-during-pompeos-india-visit-229443">on agenda</a> when US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-to-seek-stronger-strategic-ties-with-india-despite-trade-tensions-229376">Mike Pompeo visits India next week</a>.

While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil import, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India.

The import of oil from Iran has been one of the key contentions between New Delhi and Washington after American waivers ended on sanctions imposed by Washington but the current standoff between Iran and US is something that has been a cause of worry for New Delhi.&nbsp;

Last week, reports emerged that the US President had planned to attack Iran after Tehran shot down an American drone. This has caused considerable tension in Strait of Hormuz, a vital area connecting Persian Gulf and sea of Oman through which 20 per cent of global crude oil and a third of liquefied natural gas passes.

Watch: Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran

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Energy interests

Meanwhile, New Delhi is keeping its interest secure. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called Saudi oil minister Khalid Al Falih conveying India's concern on rising crude oil prices in backdrop of the developments in the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;

Pradhan, in a tweet, said that he "reiterated the sensitivity of Indian consumers to prevailing crude oil price volatility," adding, New Delhi has sought an active role from Riyadh which is part of oil cartel OPEC in keeping "oil prices at a reasonable level".

Aviation

Impacts will also be seen on the aviation front with Indian airlines re-routing the flights in that area. Civil aviation regulator DGCA or Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday announced that Indian carriers will avoid "the affected part of Iranian Airspace" to ensure safe travel for the passengers.&nbsp;

This comes after the American civil aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration or FAA banned American flights from using the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and sea of Oman area.

Shipping&nbsp;

Last week, the Indian Navy launched Operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf/Sea of Oman as a measure to re-assure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region.&nbsp;

The Navy deployed INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the area to undertake Maritime Security operations. Aerial surveillance has also being undertaken by India and the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram - is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf.&nbsp;

The Navy in a release said it, "remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region."

DG Shipping had issued two advisories, one on June 13 and another on June 16 to all Indian Flagged Vessels advising them to undertake appropriate protection measures.

Iran and the current situation in Strait of Hormuz will be on agenda when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits India next week. While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil import, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India.

Iran and the current situation in Strait of Hormuz will be on agenda when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits India next week. While the US has appreciated the steps India has taken to reduce Iranian oil import, it is also providing an exception to New Delhi-backed Chabahar project that has been a key connectivity project of India. The import of oil from Iran has been one of the key contentions between New Delhi and Washington after American waivers ended on sanctions imposed by Washington but the current standoff between Iran and US is something that has been a cause of worry for New Delhi. Last week, reports emerged that the US President had planned to attack Iran after Tehran shot down an American drone. This has caused considerable tension in Strait of Hormuz, a vital area connecting Persian Gulf and sea of Oman through which 20 per cent of global crude oil and a third of liquefied natural gas passes. Watch: Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran Energy interests Meanwhile, New Delhi is keeping its interest secure. Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan has called Saudi oil minister Khalid Al Falih conveying India's concern on rising crude oil prices in backdrop of the developments in the Strait of Hormuz. Pradhan, in a tweet, said that he "reiterated the sensitivity of Indian consumers to prevailing crude oil price volatility," adding, New Delhi has sought an active role from Riyadh which is part of oil cartel OPEC in keeping "oil prices at a reasonable level". Aviation Impacts will also be seen on the aviation front with Indian airlines re-routing the flights in that area. Civil aviation regulator DGCA or Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Saturday announced that Indian carriers will avoid "the affected part of Iranian Airspace" to ensure safe travel for the passengers. This comes after the American civil aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration or FAA banned American flights from using the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and sea of Oman area. Shipping Last week, the Indian Navy launched Operation Sankalp in the Persian Gulf/Sea of Oman as a measure to re-assure Indian flagged vessels transiting through the region. The Navy deployed INS Chennai and INS Sunayna in the area to undertake Maritime Security operations. Aerial surveillance has also being undertaken by India and the Information Fusion Centre - Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram - is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf. The Navy in a release said it, "remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region." DG Shipping had issued two advisories, one on June 13 and another on June 16 to all Indian Flagged Vessels advising them to undertake appropriate protection measures.

Iran in focus during Pompeo's visit to India; New Delhi takes measures to protect interest

Iran said on Sunday that Europe was not in a position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities, and called on European leaders to normalise economic ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions or face consequences.

President Donald Trump last year withdrew the United States from a nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Trump has condemned a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme or its role in conflicts around the Middle East.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-denounces-latest-us-sanctions-targetting-petrochemical-sector-225586">Iran denounces latest US sanctions targetting petrochemical sector</a>

The European signatories to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - share the same concerns as the United States over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities.

However, they have defended the nuclear accord saying that at least it puts curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme and can be the basis for future talks. 
"Europeans are not in a position to criticise Iran for issues outside the JCPOA," Zarif was quoted as saying by the state broadcaster, using the acronym for the nuclear deal.

"The Europeans and other signatories of the JCPOA should normalise economic ties with Iran... We will halt our commitments or will take action in accordance to their measures."

Iran last month stopped some commitments under the nuclear deal and warned that in 60 days it would scale back more commitments if Europeans fail to shield it against the US sanctions.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will visit Iran this week, during which he will explore options for preserving the fraying nuclear non-proliferation pact.

Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for saying last week in a meeting with Trump that they shared the same objectives on Iran.&nbsp;

Macron said France wanted to make sure Tehran will not get nuclear weapons: "We had an accord until 2025 and we want to go further and have full certainty in the long run... (Then) reduce ballistic activity and contain Iran regionally."

"The recent remarks by the French president in a meeting with Trump were shameful and inept," Larijani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency.&nbsp; 
"Macron`s comments did not match what he has been telling our president, Mr (Hassan) Rouhani, in their meetings and on the phone."&nbsp;

Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, and has repeatedly refused to discuss its missile programme.&nbsp;

Iran said on Sunday that Europe was not in a position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities, and called on European leaders to normalise economic ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions or face consequences.

Iran said on Sunday that Europe was not in a position to criticise Tehran for its military capabilities, and called on European leaders to normalise economic ties with the Islamic Republic despite US sanctions or face consequences. President Donald Trump last year withdrew the United States from a nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions. Trump has condemned a 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, signed by his predecessor Barack Obama, as flawed for not being permanent and for not covering Iran’s ballistic missile programme or its role in conflicts around the Middle East. Also read: Iran denounces latest US sanctions targetting petrochemical sector The European signatories to the deal - France, Britain and Germany - share the same concerns as the United States over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional activities. However, they have defended the nuclear accord saying that at least it puts curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme and can be the basis for future talks. "Europeans are not in a position to criticise Iran for issues outside the JCPOA," Zarif was quoted as saying by the state broadcaster, using the acronym for the nuclear deal. "The Europeans and other signatories of the JCPOA should normalise economic ties with Iran... We will halt our commitments or will take action in accordance to their measures." Iran last month stopped some commitments under the nuclear deal and warned that in 60 days it would scale back more commitments if Europeans fail to shield it against the US sanctions. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas will visit Iran this week, during which he will explore options for preserving the fraying nuclear non-proliferation pact. Iranian parliament speaker Ali Larijani on Sunday also criticised French President Emmanuel Macron for saying last week in a meeting with Trump that they shared the same objectives on Iran. Macron said France wanted to make sure Tehran will not get nuclear weapons: "We had an accord until 2025 and we want to go further and have full certainty in the long run... (Then) reduce ballistic activity and contain Iran regionally." "The recent remarks by the French president in a meeting with Trump were shameful and inept," Larijani was quoted as saying by Fars news agency. "Macron`s comments did not match what he has been telling our president, Mr (Hassan) Rouhani, in their meetings and on the phone." Iran insists its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, and has repeatedly refused to discuss its missile programme.

Iran urges Europe to normalise economic ties with it or face consequences

Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday.

"We have unofficial or unconventional sales, all of which are secret, because if they are made known America would immediately stop them," he said, quoted by the oil ministry's SHANA news agency.

Zanganeh declined to give details on Iran's oil exports, saying he would not disclose figures until sanctions were lifted.

In May 2018, Washington withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that granted Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme.

Washington reimposed oil sanctions on Iran last November, but initially gave eight countries, including several allies such as China, six-month waivers.

Iran's oil shipments tumbled to 750,000 barrels per day in April compared to 1.5 million in October, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The White House in May ended all the waivers as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.

According to Zanganeh, the US has reached an "evil maturity" in tightening the noose on Iran's economy using "smart sanctions".

"The most severe organised sanctions in history are currently being imposed on Iran," he said.

Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday.

Iran is keeping up oil sales through "unconventional" means to circumvent US sanctions, Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said in an interview published Saturday. "We have unofficial or unconventional sales, all of which are secret, because if they are made known America would immediately stop them," he said, quoted by the oil ministry's SHANA news agency. Zanganeh declined to give details on Iran's oil exports, saying he would not disclose figures until sanctions were lifted. In May 2018, Washington withdrew from Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that granted Tehran sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its atomic programme. Washington reimposed oil sanctions on Iran last November, but initially gave eight countries, including several allies such as China, six-month waivers. Iran's oil shipments tumbled to 750,000 barrels per day in April compared to 1.5 million in October, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The White House in May ended all the waivers as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran. According to Zanganeh, the US has reached an "evil maturity" in tightening the noose on Iran's economy using "smart sanctions". "The most severe organised sanctions in history are currently being imposed on Iran," he said.

Iran says selling oil through 'unconventional' means

A rise in tensions in the Middle East owing to US pressure on Iran is worrying and all parties need to exercise restraint, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian media ahead of a visit to the country.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated in the past month, a year after the United States pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions.

Washington reimposed sanctions last year and tightened them sharply at the start of last month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil. It has also hinted at military confrontation, sending extra forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats.

Xi told TASS news agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper that because of the "extreme pressure" Washington has put on Tehran and the unilateral sanctions, tensions have continued to rise in the Middle East.

"The development of the situation is worrying," Xi said, according to a transcript published by China`s Foreign Ministry ahead of his arrival in Russia on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The Iran nuclear deal should be fully implemented and respected, as it is of crucial importance for peace and stability in the Middle East and non-proliferation, Xi added.&nbsp;

"China and Russia`s views and positions on the Iran nuclear issue are highly aligned, and both hope that all relevant parties remain rational and exercise restraint, step up dialogue and consultations and lower the temperature on the present tense situation," he said.

China has been angered by US threats against countries and companies that violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil. China and Iran have close energy ties.

Xi did not directly address the oil sanctions issue, but appeared to allude to them by saying, "China will continue to firmly safeguard its own legitimate and lawful rights and interests".

A rise in tensions in the Middle East owing to US pressure on Iran is worrying and all parties need to exercise restraint, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian media ahead of a visit to the country.

A rise in tensions in the Middle East owing to US pressure on Iran is worrying and all parties need to exercise restraint, Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russian media ahead of a visit to the country. Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated in the past month, a year after the United States pulled out of a deal between Iran and global powers to curb Tehran`s nuclear programme in return for lifting sanctions. Washington reimposed sanctions last year and tightened them sharply at the start of last month, ordering all countries to halt imports of Iranian oil. It has also hinted at military confrontation, sending extra forces to the region to counter what it describes as Iranian threats. Xi told TASS news agency and Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper that because of the "extreme pressure" Washington has put on Tehran and the unilateral sanctions, tensions have continued to rise in the Middle East. "The development of the situation is worrying," Xi said, according to a transcript published by China`s Foreign Ministry ahead of his arrival in Russia on Wednesday. The Iran nuclear deal should be fully implemented and respected, as it is of crucial importance for peace and stability in the Middle East and non-proliferation, Xi added. "China and Russia`s views and positions on the Iran nuclear issue are highly aligned, and both hope that all relevant parties remain rational and exercise restraint, step up dialogue and consultations and lower the temperature on the present tense situation," he said. China has been angered by US threats against countries and companies that violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil. China and Iran have close energy ties. Xi did not directly address the oil sanctions issue, but appeared to allude to them by saying, "China will continue to firmly safeguard its own legitimate and lawful rights and interests".

China's Xi says Iran tensions worrying, calls for restraint

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday.

Sanctions would be imposed "even if a country had not met its previously-negotiated purchase caps," Hook said in a statement. "Our firm policy is to completely zero out purchases of Iranian oil. Period."

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that countries like China and India which were issued waivers in November to buy Iranian could continue the purchases after May 2 until they reached a negotiated cap.

&nbsp;Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday blamed Iran for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, saying it was an effort by Tehran to raise the global price of oil.

"These were efforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout the world," Pompeo told reporters shortly before leaving on a trip to Europe.

He suggested he had seen evidence of Iran's involvement cited earlier on Thursday by White House National Security Adviser John Bolton.

Speaking in London, Bolton said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to the United Nations Security Council next week.

Asked if he had seen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh yes. Ambassador Bolton got it right."

Arab leaders are meeting in the Saudi city of Mecca to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month.

Tehran has denied involvement.

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday.

The United States will sanction any country which buys oil from Iran after the expiration of waivers on May 2, US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Thursday. Sanctions would be imposed "even if a country had not met its previously-negotiated purchase caps," Hook said in a statement. "Our firm policy is to completely zero out purchases of Iranian oil. Period." The Wall Street Journal reported earlier on Thursday that countries like China and India which were issued waivers in November to buy Iranian could continue the purchases after May 2 until they reached a negotiated cap. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday blamed Iran for attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf, saying it was an effort by Tehran to raise the global price of oil. "These were efforts by the Iranians to raise the price of crude oil throughout the world," Pompeo told reporters shortly before leaving on a trip to Europe. He suggested he had seen evidence of Iran's involvement cited earlier on Thursday by White House National Security Adviser John Bolton. Speaking in London, Bolton said evidence that Iran was behind the attacks would be presented to the United Nations Security Council next week. Asked if he had seen the evidence, Pompeo said: "Oh yes. Ambassador Bolton got it right." Arab leaders are meeting in the Saudi city of Mecca to discuss drone strikes on oil installations in Saudi Arabia and attacks on four vessels, including two Saudi tankers, off the UAE coast earlier this month. Tehran has denied involvement.

US says countries buying Iranian oil will be subject to sanctions

The threat of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to withdraw partially from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), comes as a reaction to the US’s attempts in recent weeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.&nbsp;

Riled by the US sanctions, Iran wants to see who are standing by it and demands that remaining signatories to the deal — the UK, China, France, Germany and Russia — ease restrictions on its banking and oil sectors in the next 60 days, failing which, Tehran has threatened, it will remove caps on uranium enrichment levels and resume work on the Arak nuclear facility.

From 2006 onwards, the UNSC has treated the Iranian nuclear enrichment issue as one falling within the remit of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, dealing with action with regard to threats to and breaches of “international peace and security”.&nbsp;

The European Union’s economic sanctions against Iran (and Syria) have been far-reaching in immiserating the lives of ordinary people. What is worse, the bulk of the EU’s sanctions have been adopted without the authority and support of the UNSC – an organ in whose hands the coercive activities are centralised and monopolised, according to Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.&nbsp;

By the decision adopted on July 26, 2010, the EU Council, though, attempting to follow the position taken by the UNSC, has introduced sanctions against Iran that go beyond those adopted within the UN system and began encompassing trade between EU states and Iran.

The US enacted major sanctions against Iran since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, freezing the Iranian government’s assets. Sanctions played a major part in the US policy of dual containment (Iran and Iraq) in the 1980s, while Israel’s role in formulating and implementing the sanctions policy of the US dominated the discourse in the 1990s.&nbsp; 
 
From the role the Carter and Reagan Administrations played in the Iran–Iraq war, the numerous sanctions imposed on Iran by the Clinton Administration and the aggressive and confrontational policy toward Iran adopted by the George W Bush Administration after the events of September 11, 2001, is a continuum that runs well into the Trump administration with exception to the interregnum of the Obama administration. And since 1984, Iran’s nuclear programme has almost never been off the US and Israeli radar.

It is a no-brainer, therefore, that the US-Iran relationship is one of unceasing hostility, bad faith and distrust, with occasional dash of rapprochement for the last four decades, firmed up by, in particular, President Bush in his “axis of evil” speech on January 29, 2002, in which Iran was accused, along with Iraq and North Korea, of aggressively pursuing weapons of mass destruction and exporting terror.&nbsp;

Fourteen years down the line, the narrative remains unchanged with President Donald Trump naming Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. The Guard is not only the official protector of the Islamic revolution, but also has enough economic leverage controlling some 20 per cent to 40 per cent of Iran’s economy.

It is thus obvious that trade restrictions against Iran have become more divorced from the original aim of stalling the nuclear enrichment effort and refocused on the overall trade and economic relations between Iran and the EU.&nbsp;

As an instance of how, over the last four decades, American policymakers have increasingly used sanctions to punish countries that transgress US and international norms, or attack US interests, the Helms-Burton bill targeting Cuba and the Iran–Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) should come to mind as they were both strongly influenced by special interest lobbying – the American Israel Political Action Committee in the case of Iran, the families of the Pan Am bombing victims in the case of Libya, and the Cuban-American community with respect to Helms-Burton.&nbsp;

Should Iran go ahead with its threat, there will be consequences, foremost of which is the frittering away of goodwill among countries who are generally convinced of American skullduggery and its policies of threat and intimidation towards Iran.&nbsp;

President Hassan Rouhani, therefore, may well be advised to stave off knee-jerk reactions and adventurism that might amount to nuclear blackmail. It still enjoys the support of a few European countries. A diplomatic misstep can knock Rouhani off the rocker.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-curbs-against-iran-far-removed-from-original-aim-2754657">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The threat of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to withdraw partially from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), comes as a reaction to the US’s attempts in recent weeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero.

The threat of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to withdraw partially from the landmark nuclear deal of 2015, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), comes as a reaction to the US’s attempts in recent weeks to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero. Riled by the US sanctions, Iran wants to see who are standing by it and demands that remaining signatories to the deal — the UK, China, France, Germany and Russia — ease restrictions on its banking and oil sectors in the next 60 days, failing which, Tehran has threatened, it will remove caps on uranium enrichment levels and resume work on the Arak nuclear facility. From 2006 onwards, the UNSC has treated the Iranian nuclear enrichment issue as one falling within the remit of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, dealing with action with regard to threats to and breaches of “international peace and security”. The European Union’s economic sanctions against Iran (and Syria) have been far-reaching in immiserating the lives of ordinary people. What is worse, the bulk of the EU’s sanctions have been adopted without the authority and support of the UNSC – an organ in whose hands the coercive activities are centralised and monopolised, according to Chapter VIII of the UN Charter. By the decision adopted on July 26, 2010, the EU Council, though, attempting to follow the position taken by the UNSC, has introduced sanctions against Iran that go beyond those adopted within the UN system and began encompassing trade between EU states and Iran. The US enacted major sanctions against Iran since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, freezing the Iranian government’s assets. Sanctions played a major part in the US policy of dual containment (Iran and Iraq) in the 1980s, while Israel’s role in formulating and implementing the sanctions policy of the US dominated the discourse in the 1990s. From the role the Carter and Reagan Administrations played in the Iran–Iraq war, the numerous sanctions imposed on Iran by the Clinton Administration and the aggressive and confrontational policy toward Iran adopted by the George W Bush Administration after the events of September 11, 2001, is a continuum that runs well into the Trump administration with exception to the interregnum of the Obama administration. And since 1984, Iran’s nuclear programme has almost never been off the US and Israeli radar. It is a no-brainer, therefore, that the US-Iran relationship is one of unceasing hostility, bad faith and distrust, with occasional dash of rapprochement for the last four decades, firmed up by, in particular, President Bush in his “axis of evil” speech on January 29, 2002, in which Iran was accused, along with Iraq and North Korea, of aggressively pursuing weapons of mass destruction and exporting terror. Fourteen years down the line, the narrative remains unchanged with President Donald Trump naming Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organisation. The Guard is not only the official protector of the Islamic revolution, but also has enough economic leverage controlling some 20 per cent to 40 per cent of Iran’s economy. It is thus obvious that trade restrictions against Iran have become more divorced from the original aim of stalling the nuclear enrichment effort and refocused on the overall trade and economic relations between Iran and the EU. As an instance of how, over the last four decades, American policymakers have increasingly used sanctions to punish countries that transgress US and international norms, or attack US interests, the Helms-Burton bill targeting Cuba and the Iran–Libya Sanctions Act (ILSA) should come to mind as they were both strongly influenced by special interest lobbying – the American Israel Political Action Committee in the case of Iran, the families of the Pan Am bombing victims in the case of Libya, and the Cuban-American community with respect to Helms-Burton. Should Iran go ahead with its threat, there will be consequences, foremost of which is the frittering away of goodwill among countries who are generally convinced of American skullduggery and its policies of threat and intimidation towards Iran. President Hassan Rouhani, therefore, may well be advised to stave off knee-jerk reactions and adventurism that might amount to nuclear blackmail. It still enjoys the support of a few European countries. A diplomatic misstep can knock Rouhani off the rocker. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Curbs against Iran far removed from original aim of stalling the nuclear enrichment effort

"If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran," he said in a tweet on Sunday. "Never threaten the United States again!" The US has deployed additional warships and planes to the Gulf in recent days.

'If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran': Donald Trump

Iran has suspended commitments under the 2015 international nuclear deal, a year after it was abandoned by the US. Watch WION West Asia Chief Daniele Pagani explains.

WION Explains: Iran Will Stop Complying With Some Parts of Nuclear Deal?

The United States' allies in Europe have criticised its recent decisions to restrict oil trade with Iran and to limit the extension of waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects.

"We ... take note with regret and concern of the decision by the United States not to extend waivers with regards to trade in oil with Iran," Britain's foreign office said in a joint statement with its German and French counterparts and the European Union.

"We also note with concern the decision by the United States not to fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects," Britain's foreign office added.

Washington acted on Friday to force Iran to stop producing low-enriched uranium and expanding its only nuclear power plant, intensifying a campaign aimed at halting Tehran's ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power.

Last week, the United States said it would stop waivers for countries buying Iranian oil, in an attempt to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero.

The United States' allies in Europe have criticised its recent decisions to restrict oil trade with Iran and to limit the extension of waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects.

The United States' allies in Europe have criticised its recent decisions to restrict oil trade with Iran and to limit the extension of waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects. "We ... take note with regret and concern of the decision by the United States not to extend waivers with regards to trade in oil with Iran," Britain's foreign office said in a joint statement with its German and French counterparts and the European Union. "We also note with concern the decision by the United States not to fully renew waivers for nuclear non-proliferation projects," Britain's foreign office added. Washington acted on Friday to force Iran to stop producing low-enriched uranium and expanding its only nuclear power plant, intensifying a campaign aimed at halting Tehran's ballistic missile programme and curbing its regional power. Last week, the United States said it would stop waivers for countries buying Iranian oil, in an attempt to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero.

EU and Britain condemn US oil and nuclear sanctions on Iran

Saudi Arabia's coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Iran, which confirmed that its vessel had broken down in the area, and Saudi Arabia are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars.

SPA said the Iranian tanker "Happiness 1" and its 26 crewmembers were found 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Jeddah Islamic Port and the captain had requested a tow due to "engine failure and loss of control".

"The kingdom received an official request for help, through its permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York, from the Iranian charge d'affaires in the Iranian delegation," SPA quoted a coast guard spokesman as saying.

"All necessary precautions were taken for the safety of the crew and to ensure there is no environmental damage and to provide assistance," it added.

The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) said the tanker had suffered engine failure but there had been no leak of its contents into the Red Sea, according to SHANA, the Iranian oil ministry's news agency.

"On Tuesday, the vessel, with 26 crew members aboard, was sailing in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal when its engine failed due to water leakage to the engine room," SHANA said. It said the crew were 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis.

SHANA said the tanker was now safe with no injuries reported, and there was no environmental damage from the incident.

The United States decided to end all waivers on Iranian oil imports by May 1 after which buyers of oil from the Islamic Republic could face sanctions.

Saudi Arabia's coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia's coast guard assisted an Iranian oil tanker with engine trouble off the coast of Jeddah in the Red Sea after Riyadh received a request for help from Iran, the state news agency SPA said on Thursday. Iran, which confirmed that its vessel had broken down in the area, and Saudi Arabia are arch-adversaries in the Middle East, backing opposite sides in several regional wars. SPA said the Iranian tanker "Happiness 1" and its 26 crewmembers were found 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Jeddah Islamic Port and the captain had requested a tow due to "engine failure and loss of control". "The kingdom received an official request for help, through its permanent delegation to the United Nations in New York, from the Iranian charge d'affaires in the Iranian delegation," SPA quoted a coast guard spokesman as saying. "All necessary precautions were taken for the safety of the crew and to ensure there is no environmental damage and to provide assistance," it added. The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) said the tanker had suffered engine failure but there had been no leak of its contents into the Red Sea, according to SHANA, the Iranian oil ministry's news agency. "On Tuesday, the vessel, with 26 crew members aboard, was sailing in the Red Sea towards the Suez Canal when its engine failed due to water leakage to the engine room," SHANA said. It said the crew were 24 Iranians and two Bangladeshis. SHANA said the tanker was now safe with no injuries reported, and there was no environmental damage from the incident. The United States decided to end all waivers on Iranian oil imports by May 1 after which buyers of oil from the Islamic Republic could face sanctions.

Saudi Arabia assists Iranian oil tanker in Red Sea, no injuries

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed confidence that trade talks between the United States and China will not be affected by the end of Iran oil waivers this week.

Pompeo warned countries and companies that it would be a costly mistake to violate US&nbsp;sanctions by importing Iranian oil after Wednesday when the waivers for eight importers end.

China, India and Turkey are among Iran's largest oil importers that were granted waivers from US&nbsp;sanctions to allow them time to find alternative supplies.

"We have had lots of talks with China about this issue," Pompeo said at a newsmaker event by The Hill news outlet. "I'm confident that the trade talks will continue and run their natural course."

His comments come as US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin heads to Beijing and said he hopes the two economic powerhouses can finalize a trade deal with two more rounds of talks left..

Pompeo said the United States had worked to find alternative oil supplies to ensure the global oil market is well stocked as oil purchases from Iran are cut.

"We are convinced we can make sure the markets are adequately supplied. We are continuing to work on that," he said.

"Companies that choose to violate the sanctions ... we will pursue and we will ensure they are held accountable for the violations they engage in," he said.

Trump administration official said on Friday that neither a wind-down period nor a short-term waiver on China's oil purchases are being considered.

Under US sanctions law, importers of Iranian oil including China, India and Turkey, could be allowed a wind-down period before getting to zero oil purchases, including a short-term waiver. Any wind-down measures would be different than the 180-day exceptions the Trump administration granted in November to China and seven other importers for significantly reducing oil purchases from Iran, measures set to end in May.

The United States reimposed sanctions in November on exports of Iranian oil after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump last spring unilaterally pulled out of a 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed confidence that trade talks between the United States and China will not be affected by the end of Iran oil waivers this week.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday expressed confidence that trade talks between the United States and China will not be affected by the end of Iran oil waivers this week. Pompeo warned countries and companies that it would be a costly mistake to violate US sanctions by importing Iranian oil after Wednesday when the waivers for eight importers end. China, India and Turkey are among Iran's largest oil importers that were granted waivers from US sanctions to allow them time to find alternative supplies. "We have had lots of talks with China about this issue," Pompeo said at a newsmaker event by The Hill news outlet. "I'm confident that the trade talks will continue and run their natural course." His comments come as US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin heads to Beijing and said he hopes the two economic powerhouses can finalize a trade deal with two more rounds of talks left.. Pompeo said the United States had worked to find alternative oil supplies to ensure the global oil market is well stocked as oil purchases from Iran are cut. "We are convinced we can make sure the markets are adequately supplied. We are continuing to work on that," he said. "Companies that choose to violate the sanctions ... we will pursue and we will ensure they are held accountable for the violations they engage in," he said. Trump administration official said on Friday that neither a wind-down period nor a short-term waiver on China's oil purchases are being considered. Under US sanctions law, importers of Iranian oil including China, India and Turkey, could be allowed a wind-down period before getting to zero oil purchases, including a short-term waiver. Any wind-down measures would be different than the 180-day exceptions the Trump administration granted in November to China and seven other importers for significantly reducing oil purchases from Iran, measures set to end in May. The United States reimposed sanctions in November on exports of Iranian oil after US President Donald Trump last spring unilaterally pulled out of a 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear program.

Mike Pompeo 'confident' China trade talks will not be hurt over Iran oil sanctions

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/donald-trumps-crackdown-on-irans-oil-exports-could-backfire-badly-with-serious-risks-to-global-economy-213229">United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude</a> in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

The United States announced this week that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude.

"We have an agreement with OPEC to maintain production at a certain level and this agreement is in force until July," Putin told reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Beijing.

"I can't imagine how the world energy market will react" after the waivers end in May, Putin said.

But, he added, "none of our partners, including Saudi Arabia, is withdrawing from our agreements within OPEC."

Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, has also said it had no immediate plans to raise oil output after the sanctions waivers end.

There had been speculation that Riyadh could step in to plug the gap left by the removal of Iranian crude.

Eight countries including China, India and Turkey had been given temporary waivers by the US when it reimposed sanctions on Iran last year.

The end of the exemptions sparked fears of supply shortages, pushing prices to near six-month highs.

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday.

Russia will not immediately raise oil output after the United States ends sanctions waivers for buyers of Iranian crude in May, President Vladimir Putin said Saturday. The United States announced this week that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude. "We have an agreement with OPEC to maintain production at a certain level and this agreement is in force until July," Putin told reporters on the sidelines of a summit in Beijing. "I can't imagine how the world energy market will react" after the waivers end in May, Putin said. But, he added, "none of our partners, including Saudi Arabia, is withdrawing from our agreements within OPEC." Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude exporter, has also said it had no immediate plans to raise oil output after the sanctions waivers end. There had been speculation that Riyadh could step in to plug the gap left by the removal of Iranian crude. Eight countries including China, India and Turkey had been given temporary waivers by the US when it reimposed sanctions on Iran last year. The end of the exemptions sparked fears of supply shortages, pushing prices to near six-month highs.

Russia won't immediately raise oil output after Iran waivers end: Vladimir Putin

Oil prices hit their highest since November on Tuesday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-oil-sanctions-principally-illegal-do-not-attach-any-value-to-it-iran-212672">Washington announced all waivers on imports of sanctions-hit Iranian oil</a> would end next week, pressuring importers to stop buying from Tehran and further tightening global supply.

Despite the move, spare capacity from other suppliers such as Saudi Arabia might be able to ensure oil markets cope with a cut in Iranian exports.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/world-stocks-splutter-as-oil-races-to-near-six-month-high-212872">Brent crude </a>futures were at $74.67 per barrel at 0855 GMT, up 63 cents or 0.85 per cent from their last close, after hitting their highest level since November at $74.70.

US West Texas Intermediate crude futures marked their strongest since October 2018 at $66.14 per barrel, up 59 cents or 0.9 per cent from their previous settlement.

The United States on Monday demanded that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions, ending six months of waivers which allowed Iran's eight biggest buyers, most of them in Asia, to continue importing limited volumes.

Before the reimposition of sanctions last year, Iran was the fourth-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries at around 3 million barrels per day (bpd), but April exports have shrunk to below 1 million bpd, according to tanker data and industry sources.

US President Donald Trump is confident that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will fulfil their pledges to make up the difference in oil markets, a US official told reporters.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Monday that his country would "coordinate with fellow oil producers to ensure adequate supplies are available to consumers while ensuring the global oil market does not go out of balance".

Saudi Arabia is the world's top oil exporter and de facto leader of OPEC, which has led global supply cuts since the start of the year aimed at propping up crude prices.

The group is set to meet in June to discuss output policy.

Barclays bank said in a note that the US decision took many market participants by surprise and would "lead to a significant tightening of oil markets".

The move to increase pressure on Iran came amid other sanctions Washington has placed on Venezuela's oil exports.

US bank Goldman Sachs said an expected decline of 900,000 bpd in Iranian exports stood "versus immediately available and demonstrated spare capacity of 2.0 million bpd, which is set to grow further later this year".

Oil prices hit their highest since November on Tuesday after Washington announced all waivers on imports of sanctions-hit Iranian oil would end next week, pressuring importers to stop buying from Tehran and further tightening global supply.

Oil prices hit their highest since November on Tuesday after Washington announced all waivers on imports of sanctions-hit Iranian oil would end next week, pressuring importers to stop buying from Tehran and further tightening global supply. Despite the move, spare capacity from other suppliers such as Saudi Arabia might be able to ensure oil markets cope with a cut in Iranian exports. Brent crude futures were at $74.67 per barrel at 0855 GMT, up 63 cents or 0.85 per cent from their last close, after hitting their highest level since November at $74.70. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures marked their strongest since October 2018 at $66.14 per barrel, up 59 cents or 0.9 per cent from their previous settlement. The United States on Monday demanded that buyers of Iranian oil stop purchases by May 1 or face sanctions, ending six months of waivers which allowed Iran's eight biggest buyers, most of them in Asia, to continue importing limited volumes. Before the reimposition of sanctions last year, Iran was the fourth-largest producer among the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries at around 3 million barrels per day (bpd), but April exports have shrunk to below 1 million bpd, according to tanker data and industry sources. US President Donald Trump is confident that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will fulfil their pledges to make up the difference in oil markets, a US official told reporters. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said on Monday that his country would "coordinate with fellow oil producers to ensure adequate supplies are available to consumers while ensuring the global oil market does not go out of balance". Saudi Arabia is the world's top oil exporter and de facto leader of OPEC, which has led global supply cuts since the start of the year aimed at propping up crude prices. The group is set to meet in June to discuss output policy. Barclays bank said in a note that the US decision took many market participants by surprise and would "lead to a significant tightening of oil markets". The move to increase pressure on Iran came amid other sanctions Washington has placed on Venezuela's oil exports. US bank Goldman Sachs said an expected decline of 900,000 bpd in Iranian exports stood "versus immediately available and demonstrated spare capacity of 2.0 million bpd, which is set to grow further later this year".

Oil prices hit highest since November as US to tighten Iran sanctions

Iraq is ready to boost oil exports by 250,000 barrels a day to compensate for any shortfalls once US sanctions waivers for Iranian oil end, a government official said Monday.

The US last year reimposed tough sanctions against Iran's energy sector but granted select countries six-month waivers to continue importing oil products from Tehran.

Those exemptions will end in early May, the White House announced on Monday.

US President Donald Trump said that Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) would "more than make up" the resulting difference in the oil supply.

Iraq, the cartel's second-largest producer, has the capacity to increase its crude oil exports, a top government official told AFP on Monday.

"We are ready to export another quarter-million barrels daily. The market's needs will become clearer in the coming days," he said.

The official did not say whether Iraq had already discussed the increase with OPEC or with the United States.

The countries that had received exemptions in November were China, India, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Greece and Taiwan.

Iraq received a separate waiver that would allow it to continue importing Iranian gas and electricity, crucial to stop up the widespread power shortages in Iraq.&nbsp;

That initial exemption has been extended twice, and is set to end in June.

Iraq last month exported just under 3.4 million barrels per day, after having agreed last year to trim production alongside other producers so that prices would go up.&nbsp;

Oil prices hit a five-month high earlier this month at more than $70 per barrel.&nbsp;

Iraq is ready to boost oil exports by 250,000 barrels a day to compensate for any shortfalls once US sanctions waivers for Iranian oil end, a government official said Monday.

Iraq is ready to boost oil exports by 250,000 barrels a day to compensate for any shortfalls once US sanctions waivers for Iranian oil end, a government official said Monday. The US last year reimposed tough sanctions against Iran's energy sector but granted select countries six-month waivers to continue importing oil products from Tehran. Those exemptions will end in early May, the White House announced on Monday. US President Donald Trump said that Saudi Arabia and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) would "more than make up" the resulting difference in the oil supply. Iraq, the cartel's second-largest producer, has the capacity to increase its crude oil exports, a top government official told AFP on Monday. "We are ready to export another quarter-million barrels daily. The market's needs will become clearer in the coming days," he said. The official did not say whether Iraq had already discussed the increase with OPEC or with the United States. The countries that had received exemptions in November were China, India, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Greece and Taiwan. Iraq received a separate waiver that would allow it to continue importing Iranian gas and electricity, crucial to stop up the widespread power shortages in Iraq. That initial exemption has been extended twice, and is set to end in June. Iraq last month exported just under 3.4 million barrels per day, after having agreed last year to trim production alongside other producers so that prices would go up. Oil prices hit a five-month high earlier this month at more than $70 per barrel.

Iraq 'ready' to boost crude exports after Iran waivers end

India is studying the implications of the US decision to end sanctions waiver to India on import of Iranian oil, government sources said Monday.&nbsp;

In a move that could have implications on India's energy security, US President Donald Trump decided <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-no-longer-grant-sanctions-exemptions-to-irans-oil-customers-us-212617">not to grant sanctions exemptions to any oil customers of Iran</a>.

In November last year, the US granted waivers to India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy and Greece for a period of six months to import oil from Iran.&nbsp;

"We have seen the announcement by the US Secretary of State. We are studying the implications of the decision and will make a statement at an appropriate time," said a source.

The US re-imposed sanctions on Iran last November after President Trump pulled out of the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

"President Donald J&nbsp;Trump has decided not to reissue Significant Reduction Exceptions (SREs) when they expire in early May. This decision is intended to bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in Washington.&nbsp;

India is studying the implications of the US decision to end sanctions waiver to India on import of Iranian oil, government sources said Monday. In a move that could have implications on India's energy security, US President Donald Trump decided not to grant sanctions exemptions to any oil customers of Iran.

India is studying the implications of the US decision to end sanctions waiver to India on import of Iranian oil, government sources said Monday. In a move that could have implications on India's energy security, US President Donald Trump decided not to grant sanctions exemptions to any oil customers of Iran. In November last year, the US granted waivers to India, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey, Italy and Greece for a period of six months to import oil from Iran. "We have seen the announcement by the US Secretary of State. We are studying the implications of the decision and will make a statement at an appropriate time," said a source. The US re-imposed sanctions on Iran last November after President Trump pulled out of the landmark 2015 Iran nuclear deal. "President Donald J Trump has decided not to reissue Significant Reduction Exceptions (SREs) when they expire in early May. This decision is intended to bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in Washington.

Studying implications of US decision to end sanctions waiver for import of Iranian oil: Government sources

The United States announced on Monday it will no longer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-to-ask-india-four-other-nations-to-completely-end-iranian-oil-imports-report-212563">grant sanctions exemptions</a> to Iran's oil customers.

The White House said that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-delays-may-order-for-iran-oil-awaits-clarity-on-sanctions-waiver-report-209006"> Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates </a>-&nbsp;close US allies that back President Donald Trump's hawkish stance against regional rival Iran -- would work to make up the difference in oil to ensure that global markets are not rocked.

"This decision is intended to bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue," the White House said in a statement.

"The Trump administration and our allies are determined to sustain and expand the maximum economic pressure campaign against Iran to end the regime's destabilizing activity threatening the United States, our partners and allies and security in the Middle East," it said.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Saudi Arabia and others in OPEC will more than make up the Oil Flow difference in our now Full Sanctions on Iranian Oil. Iran is being given VERY BAD advice by <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnKerry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JohnKerry</a> and people who helped him lead the U.S. into the very bad Iran Nuclear Deal. Big violation of Logan Act?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1120320642686038016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Eight governments were initially given six-month reprieves from the unilateral US sanctions on Iran. They include India, which has warm ties with Washington but disagrees on the US insistence that Iran is a threat.

Other countries that will be affected include China and Turkey, opening up new friction in contentious relationships if the United States goes ahead with sanctions over buying Iranian oil.

The others -&nbsp;Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan -&nbsp;have already heavily reduced their purchases from Iran.

Trump last year withdrew the United States from an accord negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear program in return for promises of sanctions relief.

The Trump administration, backed by Saudi Arabia and Israel, has instead unilaterally imposed sanctions and demanded that other countries follow suit.

US officials say that they are aiming at choking off Iranian revenue so as to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout, notably its support for militants groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah.

The United States announced on Monday it will no longer grant sanctions exemptions to Iran's oil customers. The White House said that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - close US allies that back President Donald Trump's hawkish stance against regional rival Iran -- would work to make up the difference in oil to ensure that global markets are not rocked.

The United States announced on Monday it will no longer grant sanctions exemptions to Iran's oil customers. The White House said that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates - close US allies that back President Donald Trump's hawkish stance against regional rival Iran -- would work to make up the difference in oil to ensure that global markets are not rocked. "This decision is intended to bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue," the White House said in a statement. "The Trump administration and our allies are determined to sustain and expand the maximum economic pressure campaign against Iran to end the regime's destabilizing activity threatening the United States, our partners and allies and security in the Middle East," it said. Saudi Arabia and others in OPEC will more than make up the Oil Flow difference in our now Full Sanctions on Iranian Oil. Iran is being given VERY BAD advice by @JohnKerry and people who helped him lead the U.S. into the very bad Iran Nuclear Deal. Big violation of Logan Act? — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2019 × Eight governments were initially given six-month reprieves from the unilateral US sanctions on Iran. They include India, which has warm ties with Washington but disagrees on the US insistence that Iran is a threat. Other countries that will be affected include China and Turkey, opening up new friction in contentious relationships if the United States goes ahead with sanctions over buying Iranian oil. The others - Greece, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan - have already heavily reduced their purchases from Iran. Trump last year withdrew the United States from an accord negotiated by his predecessor, Barack Obama, under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear program in return for promises of sanctions relief. The Trump administration, backed by Saudi Arabia and Israel, has instead unilaterally imposed sanctions and demanded that other countries follow suit. US officials say that they are aiming at choking off Iranian revenue so as to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout, notably its support for militants groups such as Lebanon's Hezbollah.

Will no longer grant sanctions exemptions to Iran's oil customers: US

The US on Monday is set to ask five nations, including India and China, to completely end their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-may-renew-waivers-to-countries-importing-iranian-oil-including-india-207805">imports of Iranian oil</a> or be subject to US sanctions, a media report said, a decision that comes about a year after America quit the Iran nuclear deal and imposed toughest ever sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation.

The move which is seen as an escalation of the US President Donald Trump administration's "maximum pressure" on Iran comes after it last year gave temporary 180-days waiver to eight countries, including India, China and Japan among others.&nbsp;

The decision allowed them to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed "significant reduction" in oil purchase from Tehran, the Washington Post reported on Sunday.

"On Monday morning, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will announce to the media that, as of May 2, the State Department will no longer grant sanctions waivers to any country that is currently importing Iranian crude or condensate," two State Department officials were quoted as saying to the paper.

The waiver to India was also seen as a recognition by Washington of New Delhi's role in the development of the port on the Gulf of Oman, which is of immense strategic importance for the development of war-torn Afghanistan.

In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed the establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi-modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations.

China and India are currently the largest importers of Iranian oil. If they don't go along with Trump's demands, that could cause tensions in both bilateral relationships and spill over into other issues, like trade, the report said.

Iran is India's third-largest oil supplier behind Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil during April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of 2017-18 fiscal).

The report also said that South Korea and Japan are relatively less dependent on Iranian oil and have already been treading lightly.&nbsp;

A Turkish official has said the country is expecting&nbsp;another waiver, but it isn't getting one, the report said.

The decision to end the waivers has implications for world oil markets, which have been eagerly anticipating Trump's decision on whether to extend waivers, the paper reported.&nbsp;

The officials said market disruption should be minimal for two reasons - supply is now greater than demand and Pompeo is also set to announce offsets through commitments from other suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

The US on Monday is set to ask five nations, including India and China, to completely end their imports of Iranian oil or be subject to US sanctions, a media report said, a decision that comes about a year after America quit the Iran nuclear deal and imposed toughest ever sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation.

The US on Monday is set to ask five nations, including India and China, to completely end their imports of Iranian oil or be subject to US sanctions, a media report said, a decision that comes about a year after America quit the Iran nuclear deal and imposed toughest ever sanctions on the Persian Gulf nation. The move which is seen as an escalation of the US President Donald Trump administration's "maximum pressure" on Iran comes after it last year gave temporary 180-days waiver to eight countries, including India, China and Japan among others. The decision allowed them to continue buying Iranian oil as they showed "significant reduction" in oil purchase from Tehran, the Washington Post reported on Sunday. "On Monday morning, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will announce to the media that, as of May 2, the State Department will no longer grant sanctions waivers to any country that is currently importing Iranian crude or condensate," two State Department officials were quoted as saying to the paper. The waiver to India was also seen as a recognition by Washington of New Delhi's role in the development of the port on the Gulf of Oman, which is of immense strategic importance for the development of war-torn Afghanistan. In May 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan had inked a pact which entailed the establishment of Transit and Transport Corridor among the three countries using Chabahar Port as one of the regional hubs for sea transportation in Iran, besides multi-modal transport of goods and passengers across the three nations. China and India are currently the largest importers of Iranian oil. If they don't go along with Trump's demands, that could cause tensions in both bilateral relationships and spill over into other issues, like trade, the report said. Iran is India's third-largest oil supplier behind Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Iran supplied 18.4 million tonnes of crude oil during April 2017 and January 2018 (first 10 months of 2017-18 fiscal). The report also said that South Korea and Japan are relatively less dependent on Iranian oil and have already been treading lightly. A Turkish official has said the country is expecting another waiver, but it isn't getting one, the report said. The decision to end the waivers has implications for world oil markets, which have been eagerly anticipating Trump's decision on whether to extend waivers, the paper reported. The officials said market disruption should be minimal for two reasons - supply is now greater than demand and Pompeo is also set to announce offsets through commitments from other suppliers such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

US to ask India, four other nations to completely end Iranian oil imports: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-engaging-with-united-states-for-second-iran-oil-waiver-mea-207973">Indian refiners </a>are holding back from ordering Iranian oil for loading in May pending clarity on whether Washington will extend a waiver from US sanctions against the OPEC-member, four sources said.

In November, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-imposed broad economic sanctions.

Washington, however, gave a six-month <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-give-iran-oil-sanctions-waiver-to-eight-countries-including-india-south-korea-japan-report-175107">waiver to eight nations </a>including India, allowing them to import some Iranian oil until early May. India, Iran's top oil client after China, was allowed to buy about 9 million barrels a month.

India hopes to get clarity in seven to 10 days on any extension of the waiver, as well as the amount of oil that could be purchased if an extension is given, the sources said.

"We don't know about US thinking, whether they will allow India to buy oil or not," said one of the sources, all of whom declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Under the current waiver, India can buy about 300,000 bpd of Iranian oil - about half the amount before the sanctions were imposed - and New Delhi wants to keep buying Iranian oil at that level, Indian sources said last month.

Since November only state-run Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals have been buying Iranian oil.

State-refiners and India's oil ministry did not respond to Reuters request for comments.

Brian Hook, the special US envoy for Iran, in March said Washington is pursuing its plan to bring Iranian crude exports to zero. Last week Hook said three of eight importers granted waivers by Washington have cut shipments to zero.

"Sanctions against IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have also added to the uncertainty over supply of Iranian oil ... in the current scenario when enough alternatives are available it is better to wait for a clarity," said another of the sources.

Trump on Monday designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organization. Iran's president Rouhani said Tehran will resist US pressure and hailed IRGC as defenders of Iranians.

Indian refiners are holding back from ordering Iranian oil for loading in May pending clarity on whether Washington will extend a waiver from US sanctions against the OPEC-member, four sources said.

Indian refiners are holding back from ordering Iranian oil for loading in May pending clarity on whether Washington will extend a waiver from US sanctions against the OPEC-member, four sources said. In November, US President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and re-imposed broad economic sanctions. Washington, however, gave a six-month waiver to eight nations including India, allowing them to import some Iranian oil until early May. India, Iran's top oil client after China, was allowed to buy about 9 million barrels a month. India hopes to get clarity in seven to 10 days on any extension of the waiver, as well as the amount of oil that could be purchased if an extension is given, the sources said. "We don't know about US thinking, whether they will allow India to buy oil or not," said one of the sources, all of whom declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. Under the current waiver, India can buy about 300,000 bpd of Iranian oil - about half the amount before the sanctions were imposed - and New Delhi wants to keep buying Iranian oil at that level, Indian sources said last month. Since November only state-run Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, Hindustan Petroleum and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals have been buying Iranian oil. State-refiners and India's oil ministry did not respond to Reuters request for comments. Brian Hook, the special US envoy for Iran, in March said Washington is pursuing its plan to bring Iranian crude exports to zero. Last week Hook said three of eight importers granted waivers by Washington have cut shipments to zero. "Sanctions against IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) have also added to the uncertainty over supply of Iranian oil ... in the current scenario when enough alternatives are available it is better to wait for a clarity," said another of the sources. Trump on Monday designated Iran's Guards a foreign terrorist organization. Iran's president Rouhani said Tehran will resist US pressure and hailed IRGC as defenders of Iranians.

India delays May order for Iran oil, awaits clarity on sanctions waiver: Report

US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Saturday Washington was not looking to grant any more waivers for Iranian oil after the reimposition of US sanctions.

Hook told a news conference in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi that the reason for the earlier waivers was to prevent a spike in oil prices. He declined to say what the administration in Washington would do when the current waivers end in May.

Washington gave waivers to eight traditional Iranian oil buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea -- after reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil in November.

US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Saturday Washington was not looking to grant any more waivers for Iranian oil after the reimposition of US sanctions.

US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook said on Saturday Washington was not looking to grant any more waivers for Iranian oil after the reimposition of US sanctions. Hook told a news conference in the United Arab Emirates capital Abu Dhabi that the reason for the earlier waivers was to prevent a spike in oil prices. He declined to say what the administration in Washington would do when the current waivers end in May. Washington gave waivers to eight traditional Iranian oil buyers - including China, India, Japan and South Korea -- after reimposing sanctions on Iranian oil in November.

US official says not to grant more waivers on Iran oil sanctions

India's finance ministry has exempted rupee payments made to the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) for crude oil imports from a steep withholding tax, according to a government order reviewed by Reuters.

The exemption, put in place December 28 but backdated to November 5, will allow Indian refiners to settle about $1.5 billion of outstanding payments to NIOC. Those have been building up since Tehran was put under stringent US sanctions in early November.

The two countries on November 2 signed a bilateral agreement to settle oil trades through an Indian government-owned bank, UCO Bank, in the Indian currency, which is not freely traded on international markets.&nbsp;

However, the income of a foreign company that is deposited in an Indian bank account is subject to a withholding tax of 40 per cent plus other levies, leading to a total take by the authorities of 42.5 per cent.

That made the agreement unworkable for Iran and led to the freeze in payments by the refiners until the exemption could be introduced.

Iran will be able to use the rupee funds for a range of expenses - including&nbsp;imports from India, the cost of its missions in the country, direct investment in Indian projects, and its financing of Iranian students in India, according to another government document reviewed by Reuters. It can also invest the funds in Indian government debt securities.

"In the previous round of sanctions Iran was allowed to use funds for imports from India but this time we have expanded the scope for use of funds to benefit both nations," said an Indian government official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

The move may help India fix its trade balance, which is currently tilted in favour of Iran.

PAYMENTS TO START SOON

The tax exemption order, though, only refers to crude oil. That means it does not apply to imports of other commodities, such as fertiliser, liquefied petroleum gas and wax.

India, Iran`s top oil client after China, has turned to paying for Iranian oil in rupees as major banking channels dealing in global currencies are closed off by the US sanctions.

"Passing of this notification eases constraints for Indian refiners to make payment," said Sanjay Sudhir, joint Secretary in India`s oil ministry.

An official from India`s top refiner and Iran`s top customer in the country, Indian Oil Corp, said his company would start making payments to Iran from January.

The finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Indian Oil Corp and UCO Bank also did not respond.

Last month, the United States introduced the sanctions aimed at crippling Iran`s oil revenue-dependent economy because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and its support for militant proxies in the Middle East.&nbsp;

Washington did, though, give a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight nations, including India, and allowed them to import some Iranian oil.

India`s overall imports from Iran totalled about $11 billion in April-November 2018, with oil accounting for about 90 per cent of the imports.

Iran will be able to register as a foreign portfolio investor, allowing it to invest in Indian government debt.

The direct investment provision could help Iran in participating in Indian oil refiner Chennai Petroleum Corp Ltd`s expansion plans. Iran owns 15.4 per cent of the company.

Iran which used to be the third biggest oil supplier to India slipped to No. 6 in November, according to ship-tracking data and industry sources.

India's finance ministry has exempted rupee payments made to the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) for crude oil imports from a steep withholding tax, according to a government order reviewed by Reuters.

India's finance ministry has exempted rupee payments made to the National Iranian Oil Co (NIOC) for crude oil imports from a steep withholding tax, according to a government order reviewed by Reuters. The exemption, put in place December 28 but backdated to November 5, will allow Indian refiners to settle about $1.5 billion of outstanding payments to NIOC. Those have been building up since Tehran was put under stringent US sanctions in early November. The two countries on November 2 signed a bilateral agreement to settle oil trades through an Indian government-owned bank, UCO Bank, in the Indian currency, which is not freely traded on international markets. However, the income of a foreign company that is deposited in an Indian bank account is subject to a withholding tax of 40 per cent plus other levies, leading to a total take by the authorities of 42.5 per cent. That made the agreement unworkable for Iran and led to the freeze in payments by the refiners until the exemption could be introduced. Iran will be able to use the rupee funds for a range of expenses - including imports from India, the cost of its missions in the country, direct investment in Indian projects, and its financing of Iranian students in India, according to another government document reviewed by Reuters. It can also invest the funds in Indian government debt securities. "In the previous round of sanctions Iran was allowed to use funds for imports from India but this time we have expanded the scope for use of funds to benefit both nations," said an Indian government official, who declined to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue. The move may help India fix its trade balance, which is currently tilted in favour of Iran. PAYMENTS TO START SOON The tax exemption order, though, only refers to crude oil. That means it does not apply to imports of other commodities, such as fertiliser, liquefied petroleum gas and wax. India, Iran`s top oil client after China, has turned to paying for Iranian oil in rupees as major banking channels dealing in global currencies are closed off by the US sanctions. "Passing of this notification eases constraints for Indian refiners to make payment," said Sanjay Sudhir, joint Secretary in India`s oil ministry. An official from India`s top refiner and Iran`s top customer in the country, Indian Oil Corp, said his company would start making payments to Iran from January. The finance ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Indian Oil Corp and UCO Bank also did not respond. Last month, the United States introduced the sanctions aimed at crippling Iran`s oil revenue-dependent economy because of its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and its support for militant proxies in the Middle East. Washington did, though, give a six-month waiver from sanctions to eight nations, including India, and allowed them to import some Iranian oil. India`s overall imports from Iran totalled about $11 billion in April-November 2018, with oil accounting for about 90 per cent of the imports. Iran will be able to register as a foreign portfolio investor, allowing it to invest in Indian government debt. The direct investment provision could help Iran in participating in Indian oil refiner Chennai Petroleum Corp Ltd`s expansion plans. Iran owns 15.4 per cent of the company. Iran which used to be the third biggest oil supplier to India slipped to No. 6 in November, according to ship-tracking data and industry sources.

India exempts rupee payments for Iran oil from hefty taxes: Government order

India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, oil minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday.

The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. It did not name the countries which would benefit.

Pradhan said it won the waiver largely due to a forceful campaign by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India had been vocal at international forums about rising oil prices and its impact on the economy.

"In the current geopolitically challenging scenario, India has managed to convince international leaders," Pradhan told reporters in New Delhi.

Having abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is trying to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile programme but its support for militant proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East.

China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer.

Further details of the United States' decision on Iran sanctions will be released on Monday.

India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, oil minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday.

India and other leading oil buyers will benefit from the waiver the United States has granted them from Iran sanctions, oil minister, Dharmendra Pradhan said on Saturday. The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday to try to force Iran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities. It did not name the countries which would benefit. Pradhan said it won the waiver largely due to a forceful campaign by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India had been vocal at international forums about rising oil prices and its impact on the economy. "In the current geopolitically challenging scenario, India has managed to convince international leaders," Pradhan told reporters in New Delhi. Having abandoned the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, US President Donald Trump is trying to cripple Iran's oil-dependent economy and force Tehran to quash not only its nuclear ambitions and its ballistic missile programme but its support for militant proxies in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East. China, India, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have been top importers of Iran's oil, while Taiwan occasionally buys cargoes of Iranian crude but is not a major buyer. Further details of the United States' decision on Iran sanctions will be released on Monday.

India, other nations to benefit from US waiver on Iran oil buys: Dharmendra Pradhan

Iran sold oil to private buyers through its energy exchange for the first time on Sunday, as part of its efforts to counter the imminent return of US sanctions.&nbsp;

Only 280,000 barrels were sold out of one million offered, and went for $74.85 per barrel, more than $4 below the initial asking price.

The identity of the buyer remained a secret, with the conservative Fars news agency saying only that a conglomerate of private firms had made the purchase through three brokerages.

The US is set to reimpose sanctions on Iran's oil industry on November 5, following President Donald Trump's decision to walk out of the 2015 nuclear deal in May.&nbsp;

The plan to sell oil to private companies on the energy exchange was floated back in July by first vice-president Eshaq Jahangiri with the aim of "defeating America's efforts ... to stop Iran's oil exports."

The government hopes selling to private buyers, rather than direct to foreign clients, will make it harder for the US to monitor and stop its sales.&nbsp;

"With the imminent return of a new wave of sanctions, the government is determined to utilise the manoeuvering ability of the private sector to sell Iran's oil and find new markets," Hamidreza Salehi, director of Iran's energy exports federation, told semi-official news agency ILNA.

Some estimates show Iran's crude exports have already dropped by a third since May when it was selling around 2.5 million barrels per day.

The government currently intends to offer oil on the energy exchange once a week, according to Fars.&nbsp;

Its initial base price on Sunday was $79.16, but it received limited bids as much as $16 lower as trading began, the exchange's website showed.

The final buyer only emerged after the base price was dropped to $74.85 in the closing hours.

The head of Iran's securities and exchange organisation, Shapour Mohammadi, promised on Friday that the identity of the buyer would not be revealed.

Iran sold oil to private buyers through its energy exchange for the first time on Sunday, as part of its efforts to counter the imminent return of US sanctions. Only 280,000 barrels were sold out of one million offered, and went for $74.

Iran sold oil to private buyers through its energy exchange for the first time on Sunday, as part of its efforts to counter the imminent return of US sanctions. Only 280,000 barrels were sold out of one million offered, and went for $74.85 per barrel, more than $4 below the initial asking price. The identity of the buyer remained a secret, with the conservative Fars news agency saying only that a conglomerate of private firms had made the purchase through three brokerages. The US is set to reimpose sanctions on Iran's oil industry on November 5, following President Donald Trump's decision to walk out of the 2015 nuclear deal in May. The plan to sell oil to private companies on the energy exchange was floated back in July by first vice-president Eshaq Jahangiri with the aim of "defeating America's efforts ... to stop Iran's oil exports." The government hopes selling to private buyers, rather than direct to foreign clients, will make it harder for the US to monitor and stop its sales. "With the imminent return of a new wave of sanctions, the government is determined to utilise the manoeuvering ability of the private sector to sell Iran's oil and find new markets," Hamidreza Salehi, director of Iran's energy exports federation, told semi-official news agency ILNA. Some estimates show Iran's crude exports have already dropped by a third since May when it was selling around 2.5 million barrels per day. The government currently intends to offer oil on the energy exchange once a week, according to Fars. Its initial base price on Sunday was $79.16, but it received limited bids as much as $16 lower as trading began, the exchange's website showed. The final buyer only emerged after the base price was dropped to $74.85 in the closing hours. The head of Iran's securities and exchange organisation, Shapour Mohammadi, promised on Friday that the identity of the buyer would not be revealed.

Iran sells oil on exchange in bid to counter sanctions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-aim-to-confirm-kavanaugh-this-weekend-protesters-arrested-169504">Republicans aim to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested</a>

President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers&nbsp;responded positively to an FBI report&nbsp;on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-extra-length-to-find-substitute-for-iranian-oil-for-countries-like-india-white-house-169509">Going extra length to find </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-extra-length-to-find-substitute-for-iranian-oil-for-countries-like-india-white-house-169509">substitute</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/going-extra-length-to-find-substitute-for-iranian-oil-for-countries-like-india-white-house-169509"> for Iranian oil for countries like India: US</a>

The White House on Thursday said that it's&nbsp;going extra length for countries like India and Iraq to find substitute for Iranian oil.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pushes-pakistan-for-an-effective-campaign-against-terrorist-169513">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pushes-pakistan-for-an-effective-campaign-against-terrorist-169513"> pushes Pakistan for an effective campaign against terrorists</a>

The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said.&nbsp;​

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-announces-new-national-strategy-for-counterterrorism-169506">Trump announces new National Strategy for Counterterrorism​​​​​​</a>

US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might.​

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/nike-concerned-about-ronaldo-rape-claims-169517">Nike 'concerned' about Ronaldo rape claims</a>

Sportswear maker Nike Inc and video game maker Electronic Arts Inc (EA) said on Thursday they were concerned about rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's best football players.

&nbsp;

Republicans aim to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers responded positively to an FBI report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge.

Republicans aim to confirm Trump's Supreme Court nominee Kavanaugh this weekend; protesters arrested President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans gained confidence on Thursday that his US Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh would win Senate confirmation after two wavering lawmakers responded positively to an FBI report on accusations of sexual misconduct against the judge. Going extra length to find substitute for Iranian oil for countries like India: US The White House on Thursday said that it's going extra length for countries like India and Iraq to find substitute for Iranian oil. US pushes Pakistan for an effective campaign against terrorists The Trump Administration in its meetings with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi this week talked about the suspension of security assistance since early this year and the importance that they place on them renewing an effective campaign against terrorists, the White House said. Trump announces new National Strategy for Counterterrorism US President Donald Trump unveiled a new counter-terrorism strategy which issues a tough warning to terrorist groups and their supporters that the United States will defeat its enemies with the full force of American might. Nike 'concerned' about Ronaldo rape claims Sportswear maker Nike Inc and video game maker Electronic Arts Inc (EA) said on Thursday they were concerned about rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world's best football players.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said the country should make efforts to continue oil supplies from Iran against the backdrop of US sanctions as Iranian oil is the cheapest it could get.

As per the sanctions, any country or company that violates the sanctions can itself come under it, he said.

The European Union (EU) has come up with a collective position saying they will work out their own arrangements to trade with Iran despite the sanctions and in Euros rather than in dollars, he said.

It will be interesting to see how that works and whether there is some way for a country like India, he said.

"Because, for us, Iranian oil is the cheapest and easiest oil to get," Tharoor, Chairman of Standing Committee on External Affairs, said.

It would be expensive for the country if it ends up buying American oil (stopping supplies from Iran), he said.

"I don't want to give you a definitive answer because I am not in the government. I don't know what the government is thinking," the Congress leader said.

Tharoor, however, said the country should resist for as long as possible having to stop supplies from Iran.

"Keep it going for as long as possible. But, in the end, explore and we can find another way of sustaining those supplies rather than giving in to the US and ending up having to pay much more for our oil," he said.

Tharoor, who was speaking at an interactive session at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here, was replying to a question on India vis-a-vis US sanctions.

About the recent Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala, he said an issue that confronted the court in deciding the case was, "does the yardstick of rational legislation and constitutional reasoning apply to matters of faith."

A woman judge dissented in the matter saying Constitutional reasoning cannot be applied to issues of faith, he said.

Every time any historic change came, there were a lot of traditionalists who resisted, Tharoor&nbsp;said.

"...Those women who do feel very strongly that this is wrong, need not go. The court's judgement does not require anyone to go to Sabarimala. It just says if you want to go, you can no longer be prevented on the grounds of...I think that's the judgment that we all have to follow," he said.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said the country should make efforts to continue oil supplies from Iran against the backdrop of US sanctions as Iranian oil is the cheapest it could get.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor Wednesday said the country should make efforts to continue oil supplies from Iran against the backdrop of US sanctions as Iranian oil is the cheapest it could get. As per the sanctions, any country or company that violates the sanctions can itself come under it, he said. The European Union (EU) has come up with a collective position saying they will work out their own arrangements to trade with Iran despite the sanctions and in Euros rather than in dollars, he said. It will be interesting to see how that works and whether there is some way for a country like India, he said. "Because, for us, Iranian oil is the cheapest and easiest oil to get," Tharoor, Chairman of Standing Committee on External Affairs, said. It would be expensive for the country if it ends up buying American oil (stopping supplies from Iran), he said. "I don't want to give you a definitive answer because I am not in the government. I don't know what the government is thinking," the Congress leader said. Tharoor, however, said the country should resist for as long as possible having to stop supplies from Iran. "Keep it going for as long as possible. But, in the end, explore and we can find another way of sustaining those supplies rather than giving in to the US and ending up having to pay much more for our oil," he said. Tharoor, who was speaking at an interactive session at the Indian School of Business (ISB) here, was replying to a question on India vis-a-vis US sanctions. About the recent Supreme Court verdict permitting women of all ages to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine at Sabarimala, he said an issue that confronted the court in deciding the case was, "does the yardstick of rational legislation and constitutional reasoning apply to matters of faith." A woman judge dissented in the matter saying Constitutional reasoning cannot be applied to issues of faith, he said. Every time any historic change came, there were a lot of traditionalists who resisted, Tharoor said. "...Those women who do feel very strongly that this is wrong, need not go. The court's judgement does not require anyone to go to Sabarimala. It just says if you want to go, you can no longer be prevented on the grounds of...I think that's the judgment that we all have to follow," he said.

India should continue buying oil from Iran: Shashi Tharoor

Iran is readying the first commercial exports of its West Karoun crude oil grade for May or June, two sources familiar with the matter said, even as fresh economic sanctions against the country loom.

Iran has already been shipping samples of the grade to customers since production from the West Karoun oilfields in southwest Iran nearly doubled in the past year to 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), the sources said. A new export facility allows West Karoun to be shipped directly rather than blended with other grades.

"Initial cargoes of West Karoun will be sold on a spot basis as the quality of the crude is yet to be established." said one of the two sources.

This means that buyers have no obligation to take regular amounts of the crude as they do under the long-term off-take agreements that are typical for Middle East oil sales.

Iran used to sell crude only under long-term deals before economic sanctions were imposed in 2012, but began spot sales after sanctions were lifted in 2016 to regain market share.

"Some refiners have taken the sample," the second source said, adding West Karoun is new production so Iran "needs to wait for the quality to stabilise".

Iran's effort to develop demand for West Karoun suggests Tehran hopes to sell the oil even in the face of possible new sanctions.

The United States and some European countries agreed to impose the earlier economic sanctions to halt Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme. The United States, China, Great Britain, the European Union, Russia and France agreed to lift the sanctions in return for Iran halting some nuclear activities and allowing inspections of atomic sites.

US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the deal by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, unless European signatories of the accord fix what he calls its "flaws".

Trump is scheduled to announce his decision on the nuclear deal at 2 pm EST (1800 GMT) on May 8, four days before the waiver decision.

Uncertainty over the United States' participation in the nuclear deal has partially fuelled a rally in global oil prices to over three-year highs.

The sanctions cut Iran's crude exports from a peak of 2.5 million bpd before 2012 to a little more than 1 million bpd. The country re-emerged as a major oil exporter when they were removed.

Trump is scheduled to announce his decision on the nuclear deal at 2 pm EST (1800 GMT) on May 8, four days before the waiver decision.

Iran is readying the first commercial exports of its West Karoun crude oil grade for May or June, two sources familiar with the matter said, even as fresh economic sanctions against the country loom. Iran has already been shipping samples of the grade to customers since production from the West Karoun oilfields in southwest Iran nearly doubled in the past year to 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), the sources said. A new export facility allows West Karoun to be shipped directly rather than blended with other grades. "Initial cargoes of West Karoun will be sold on a spot basis as the quality of the crude is yet to be established." said one of the two sources. This means that buyers have no obligation to take regular amounts of the crude as they do under the long-term off-take agreements that are typical for Middle East oil sales. Iran used to sell crude only under long-term deals before economic sanctions were imposed in 2012, but began spot sales after sanctions were lifted in 2016 to regain market share. "Some refiners have taken the sample," the second source said, adding West Karoun is new production so Iran "needs to wait for the quality to stabilise". Iran's effort to develop demand for West Karoun suggests Tehran hopes to sell the oil even in the face of possible new sanctions. The United States and some European countries agreed to impose the earlier economic sanctions to halt Iran's alleged nuclear weapons programme. The United States, China, Great Britain, the European Union, Russia and France agreed to lift the sanctions in return for Iran halting some nuclear activities and allowing inspections of atomic sites. US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of the deal by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, unless European signatories of the accord fix what he calls its "flaws". Trump is scheduled to announce his decision on the nuclear deal at 2 pm EST (1800 GMT) on May 8, four days before the waiver decision. Uncertainty over the United States' participation in the nuclear deal has partially fuelled a rally in global oil prices to over three-year highs. The sanctions cut Iran's crude exports from a peak of 2.5 million bpd before 2012 to a little more than 1 million bpd. The country re-emerged as a major oil exporter when they were removed.

Iran prepares to export new oil grade amid sanctions threat: Sources

Iran&#39;s oil minister dismissed India&#39;s decision to cut oil imports from Tehran in 2017/18 by a fifth as a threat on Wednesday, in an escalation of a dispute over a giant gas field contract.

Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last week that Indian state refiners were going to cut oil imports from Iran, as New Delhi seeks to put pressure on Tehran to award the Farzad B gas field to an Indian consortium.

&quot;India is one of our good costumers, but we cannot sign a&nbsp;contract under threat,&quot; Bijan Zanganeh was quoted as saying by Iran&#39;s ISNA news agency.

&quot;India&#39;s cut of oil imports from Iran will not cause any trouble to us as we have other buyers,&quot; he added.

Zanganeh said despite an extension of deadlines, India has not offered an acceptable proposal for the development of the gas field.

&quot;Their proposal was not profitable to Iran ... We sent (the) Indians a letter and told them we are keen to continue negotiations, but under sensible conditions, not under threats.&quot;

India, Iran&#39;s biggest oil buyer after China, was among a handful of countries that continued to deal with the Tehran despite Western sanctions over its nuclear programme.

A consortium headed by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas investment arm of Indian explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp, discovered Farzad B in the Farsi offshore block in 2008.

The consortium, which also includes Oil India and Indian Oil Corp, could not obtain permission to develop the field due to Western sanctions, but those sanctions were removed last year.

India and Iran had both been hopeful of wrapping up the Farzad B deal by March, although Zanganeh said Iran has asked other countries to submit their proposals for its development.

(Reuters)

Iran's oil minister said despite extension of deadlines, India has not offered an acceptable proposal for the development of the gas field

Iran's oil minister dismissed India's decision to cut oil imports from Tehran in 2017/18 by a fifth as a threat on Wednesday, in an escalation of a dispute over a giant gas field contract. Sources familiar with the matter told Reuters last week that Indian state refiners were going to cut oil imports from Iran, as New Delhi seeks to put pressure on Tehran to award the Farzad B gas field to an Indian consortium. "India is one of our good costumers, but we cannot sign a contract under threat," Bijan Zanganeh was quoted as saying by Iran's ISNA news agency. "India's cut of oil imports from Iran will not cause any trouble to us as we have other buyers," he added. Zanganeh said despite an extension of deadlines, India has not offered an acceptable proposal for the development of the gas field. "Their proposal was not profitable to Iran ... We sent (the) Indians a letter and told them we are keen to continue negotiations, but under sensible conditions, not under threats." India, Iran's biggest oil buyer after China, was among a handful of countries that continued to deal with the Tehran despite Western sanctions over its nuclear programme. A consortium headed by ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL), the overseas investment arm of Indian explorer Oil and Natural Gas Corp, discovered Farzad B in the Farsi offshore block in 2008. The consortium, which also includes Oil India and Indian Oil Corp, could not obtain permission to develop the field due to Western sanctions, but those sanctions were removed last year. India and Iran had both been hopeful of wrapping up the Farzad B deal by March, although Zanganeh said Iran has asked other countries to submit their proposals for its development. (Reuters)

India tussles with Iran over Farzad B gas field

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will resume sailing to Iran this month after a four-year gap, transporting an oil cargo for a state-run refiner, the chairman of India&#39;s biggest shipping company said on Tuesday. 
 
SCI stopped sailing to Iran in 2012 when sanctions targeting Iran&#39;s nuclear programme prevented the company obtaining insurance cover for oil and other shipments. 
 
Following the lifting in January of some western sanctions, International Group of Protection and Indemnity (P&amp;I) Clubs -- which generally insure the tanker market -- have been able to obtain &quot;fall-back cover&quot; from non-US markets.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;The level of cover provided by the fall-back cover has been recently raised to 100 million Euros ($111.30 million), which is fairly high and provides substantial levels of protection,&quot; said BB Sinha, Chairman &amp; Managing Director of SCI. 
 
SCI will this month use one of its Suezmax-sized tankers to ship an oil cargo for state-refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) from Iran. 
 
&quot;It is not yet decided ... which SCI-owned vessel is going to Iran,&quot; Sinha said.&nbsp; 
 
SCI had contracts with HPCL, Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd to ship crude from Iran, he said. 
 
HPCL will resume Iranian oil imports from July after three years because insurance was now available for plants processing Iranian oil, its head of refineries BK Namdeo said. 
 
Similarly, BPCL&#39;s head of refineries, BK Datta, confirmed it also planned to import an oil cargo from Iran this month, although it would use the Panama-flagged tanker &quot;Vito&quot;. 
 
Iran currently supplies bulk of its oil to India using its own vessels&nbsp; 
 
India&#39;s Iranian oil imports are set to hit a seven-year high in the year from April 1, with refiners buying at least 400,000 barrels per day. 
 
Iran currently supplies the bulk of its oil to India using its own vessels. 
 
Some Indian refiners such as Essar Oil and Reliance Industries have already begun importing Iranian oil in tankers flagged from other countries. 
 
Sinha hoped the lifting of sanctions would boost trade between India and Iran. SCI returned to profit in the 2014-15 fiscal year after suffering three years of net losses.&nbsp; 
 
SCI aims to expand its fleet by allocating about 10 billion Rupees ($148.42 million) for capital expenditure in the current fiscal year to March 2017 from nil last year, he said. 
 
&quot;Fleet expansion is necessary as India&#39;s foreign trade is also increasing with a growing economy,&quot; he said, adding that 60-70 per cent of the capex would be funded through foreign loans and the remainder internally. 
 
Sinha said the company aimed to buy second-hand ships so they could be deployed quickly. 
 
(Reuters)

India's Iranian oil imports are set to hit a seven-year high in the year with refiners buying at least 400,000 barrels per day

Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) will resume sailing to Iran this month after a four-year gap, transporting an oil cargo for a state-run refiner, the chairman of India's biggest shipping company said on Tuesday. SCI stopped sailing to Iran in 2012 when sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear programme prevented the company obtaining insurance cover for oil and other shipments. Following the lifting in January of some western sanctions, International Group of Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Clubs -- which generally insure the tanker market -- have been able to obtain "fall-back cover" from non-US markets. "The level of cover provided by the fall-back cover has been recently raised to 100 million Euros ($111.30 million), which is fairly high and provides substantial levels of protection," said BB Sinha, Chairman & Managing Director of SCI. SCI will this month use one of its Suezmax-sized tankers to ship an oil cargo for state-refiner Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) from Iran. "It is not yet decided ... which SCI-owned vessel is going to Iran," Sinha said. SCI had contracts with HPCL, Bharat Petroleum Corp (BPCL) and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd to ship crude from Iran, he said. HPCL will resume Iranian oil imports from July after three years because insurance was now available for plants processing Iranian oil, its head of refineries BK Namdeo said. Similarly, BPCL's head of refineries, BK Datta, confirmed it also planned to import an oil cargo from Iran this month, although it would use the Panama-flagged tanker "Vito". Iran currently supplies bulk of its oil to India using its own vessels India's Iranian oil imports are set to hit a seven-year high in the year from April 1, with refiners buying at least 400,000 barrels per day. Iran currently supplies the bulk of its oil to India using its own vessels. Some Indian refiners such as Essar Oil and Reliance Industries have already begun importing Iranian oil in tankers flagged from other countries. Sinha hoped the lifting of sanctions would boost trade between India and Iran. SCI returned to profit in the 2014-15 fiscal year after suffering three years of net losses. SCI aims to expand its fleet by allocating about 10 billion Rupees ($148.42 million) for capital expenditure in the current fiscal year to March 2017 from nil last year, he said. "Fleet expansion is necessary as India's foreign trade is also increasing with a growing economy," he said, adding that 60-70 per cent of the capex would be funded through foreign loans and the remainder internally. Sinha said the company aimed to buy second-hand ships so they could be deployed quickly. (Reuters)

India's biggest shipping firm to resume sailing to Iran after four-year gap

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