Biden Administration Waives Sanctions On $10 Billion For Iran

 

Reuters: US renews waiver letting Iraq pay Iran for electricity 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has issued a new 120-day waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity, U.S. officials said on Tuesday, stressing Tehran could only use the funds for humanitarian trade and seeking to blunt criticism of giving Iran the money. 

 U.S. officials said the waiver was identical to one in July that for the first time allowed Iraq not only to make payments into restricted Iranian accounts in Iraq but also for the funds to be sent to similarly restricted accounts in third countries.  

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WNU Editor: Critics are having a meltdown .... Critics slam Biden admin for waiver that gives Iran access to $10B fund: 'absolutely outrageous' (FOX News). 

 Biden Administration Waives Sanctions On $10 Billion For Iran  

US extends sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to buy electricity from Iran -- AP  

Biden admin renews sanctions waiver giving Iran access to $10 billion from Iraq -- NYPost 

US renews sanctions waiver letting Iraq buy Iranian gas -- Times of Israel  

Why Is Biden Funding Iran amid a Shooting War with Its Terrorist Proxies? -- NRO

US Oil Companies Afraid Of Tehran Retaliation If They Unload Iranian Oil From A Seized Iranian Tanker

This undated file picture shows Greek tanker Suez Rajan. The vessel is now sitting off the coast of Texas, the United States, with at least 800,000 barrels of seized Iranian oil.  

Reuters: Iran warns against unloading Iranian oil from seized tanker 

Iran would retaliate against any oil company unloading Iranian oil from a seized tanker, the Revolutionary Guards’ navy commander Alireza Tangsiri said on Thursday, according to state media.

In April, the US confiscated Iranian oil on a tanker at sea in a sanctions enforcement operation, according to a maritime security firm. 

Tangsiri added that Tehran would hold Washington responsible for allowing the unloading of the tanker’s content.  

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WNU Editor: The U.S. is expecting troubles .... US Deploys Fighter Jets And Navy Destroyer To Middle East To Protect Ships From Iranian Seizure (July 17, 2023) 

 US Oil Companies Afraid Of Tehran Retaliation If They Unload Iranian Oil From A Seized Iranian Tanker

IRGC Navy commander warns against unloading Iranian oil from seized tanker -- Press TV (Iran)

Oil Companies Warned against Unloading Iranian Oil from Seized Tanker -- Tasnim News Agency (Iran)  

IRGC Navy warns against unloading Iran oil from seized tanker -- MEHR News Agency (Iran)  

Iranian Oil Stolen by the US Stuck on a Tanker Off the Coast of Texas -- Antiwar.com

Iran Claims Its Oil Exports Are Booming Despite Sanctions

An Iranian military speedboat patrols the waters as a tanker prepares to dock at the oil facility on Khark Island, Iran, on March 12, 2017. (Atta Kenare/AFP)

CTV News/Reuters: Iran says oil exports hit highest level since re-imposition of U.S. sanctions: Tasnim 

DUBAI - Iran's oil exports have reached their highest level since the re-imposition of U.S. sanctions in 2018, the country's Oil Minister Javad Owji said on Sunday, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. 

Following the United States' exit from a 2015 nuclear deal and its re-imposition of sanctions on Tehran in 2018, Iranian oil exports and revenues have taken a significant hit as few countries -- with the notable exception of China -- continue to purchase Iranian crude. 

The oil minister said that 83 million more oil barrels in the current year starting March 21, 2022, were exported compared to the previous Iranian year running March 2021-22.  

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WNU Editor: If Iran is exporting oil at a record pace, why is it still experiencing deep financial problems .... Iran Claims High Oil Exports While Financial Woes Continue (Iran International). The answer is simple. Iran's debt and financial obligations are so severe that even if there is a boom in oil exports, it is not enough to repair the years of government mismanagement and irresponsibility when it comes to handling the country's finances. 

 Iran Claims Its Oil Exports Are Booming Despite Sanctions 

 Iran oil exports hit highest level since re-imposition of US sanctions in 2018 -- Press TV (Iran)  

Iran reports highest oil exports yet since US applied sanctions over nuclear deal -- Times Of Israel  

Iran's 11-Month Oil Revenues Up 83M Barrels YOY -- MENAFN

US Sanctions Chinese Companies For Supplying Parts In Iranian Drones

The US Defense Department used components found at the scene to identify the drone used in a November 2022 attack on a tanker as an Iranian Shahed-136 as shown in this handout photo from the department © - / DVIDS/AFP  

Reuters: U.S. sanctions China-based network accused of supplying Iran drone maker 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on a China-based network over accusations it has shipped aerospace parts to an Iranian company involved in the production of drones that Tehran has used to attack oil tankers and exported to Russia. 

The U.S. Treasury Department targeted five companies and one person in the network for selling and shipping thousands of aerospace components, including those that can be used for drones, to the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company. 

The company, known as HESA, has been involved in producing the Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) model that Iran has used to attack oil tankers and exported to Russia, the U.S. Treasury said in a statement.  

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WNU Editor: The US is also sanctioning Iran's banking and petro-chemical industries .... New US Sanctions Target Iranian Petroleum, Petrochemical Trade (VOA/Reuters). More here .... US targets 'shadow banking' network helping Iran evade sanctions (Reuters), and here .... US sanctions 39 entities over alleged ‘shadow banking’ for Iran (Al Jazeera).  

Update: China has responded .... Beijing Condemns US Sanctions On Chinese Firms For Alleged Support Of Iran's Drone Program (UrduPoint). 

US Sanctions Chinese Companies For Supplying Parts In Iranian Drones  

U.S. targets Iran with slew of new sanctions over drones, evasion network -- UPI  

US blacklists Chinese firms supplying drone parts to Iran -- RFI  

US sanctions Chinese network that sold drone components to Iran, says UAVs were used by Russia in Ukraine -- FOX News  

US sanctions Iran’s China-based drone procurement network -- Jerusalem Post 

U.S. slaps sanctions on Chinese companies for helping Iran produce drones -- Ukrinform

EU And US Consider Imposing More Sanctions On Iran Over Protest Crackdown

FILE - In this photo taken by an individual not employed by AP and obtained by the AP outside Iran, protesters chant slogans during a protest over the death of a woman who was detained by the morality police, in downtown Tehran, Sept. 21, 2022.  

The Guardian: EU and US consider further sanctions on Iran over protest crackdown 

Demonstrators call for greater support from west and help communicating with outside world 

The EU and the US are considering further sanctions against Iran over the attempt to suppress demonstrations and strikes in universities over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in a police detention centre. 

Josep Borrell, the EU foreign policy chief, condemned Iran’s disproportionate use of force and said all options would be on the table at the next meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers. 

The main options are helping to prevent the internet being shut by Iran, and further economic sanctions. 

Demonstrators at the street protests – now in their 10th day – have also called for greater support from the west, as well as help in communicating with the outside world.  

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WNU Editor: Iran is already one of the most sanctioned countries in the world. I do not know what more the US and the EU can impose.  

Update: Iran is responding to the West's reaction to the current crackdown on Iranian protesters .... Iran protests Western stance on mass protests over woman’s death (NBC/Reuters).

Royal Navy Reveals It Seized Sophisticated Iranian Missiles Off The Iranian Coast Earlier This Year

The captures took place in the early hours of the morning of January 28 and February 25 this year. A team of Royal Marines approached the boats on two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats before confiscating dozen of packages containing weaponry

Daily Mail: Royal Navy reveals it seized Iranian missiles after high-speed pursuit of smugglers' speedboats in Wildcat helicopters 

* Weapons confiscated in the operation include missiles which breach UN Security Council resolution 2216 

* One of these missiles has a range of over 600m/s and is of the same variety used in the deadly attack on Abu Dhabi in January 2022 which killed three civilians 

* This is the first time a British Naval ship has intercepted vessels carrying such sophisticated and advanced weaponry from Iran 

* The weapons were thought to be on their way to Houthi rebels fighting in Yemen 

The Royal Navy has revealed one of its warships, the HMS Montrose, seized a stash of deadly weapons off the Iranian coast earlier this year. 

The first-of-its-kind raid took place after helicopter crews noticed smuggler vessels acting suspiciously while on patrol in international waters. 

A number of the weapons seized from the hoard violate a UN Security Council resolution namely surface-to-air-missiles and engines for land attack cruise missiles. 

It is thought the weapons were being transported to Houthi rebels fighting in Yemen.  

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This seizure happened 5 months ago. Why make it public now? 

Royal Navy Reveals It Seized Sophisticated Iranian Missiles Off The Iranian Coast Earlier This Year  

UK, US navies reveal they seized missiles en route to Yemen earlier this year -- Breaking Defense  

UK Navy Says It Seized Smuggled Iranian Missiles -- Reuters  

UK seizes Iranian missiles in international waters with US assist -- FOX News 

Royal Navy Seizes Iranian Missile Components in High-Seas Intercepts -- Maritime Executive  

U.K. Royal Navy Announces Seizure of Iranian Missile Parts with American Assist -- USNI News

Iran Seizes 2 Greek Tankers in Persian Gulf After U.S. Seizes Iranian Oil From A Tanker Off The Coast Of Greece

#BREAKING A second Greek-flagged oil tanker, Prudent Warrior, has also been seized by the Iranian military, according to @LloydsList.
The seizure of the two vessels comes in response to Greece's move to seize an Iranian tanker and letting the US confiscate its crude oil. pic.twitter.com/R2THAMo1d4

— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) May 27, 2022

RFE: Iran's Revolutionary Guard Confirms Seizure Of Two Greek Oil Tankers In Persian Gulf Iran's 

Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says it has seized two Greek oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. 

The vessels were seized a day after Athens assisted the United States in seizing an Iranian oil tanker over alleged sanctions violations. 

The press service of the IRGC said on May 27 that it had seized the Greek ships “due to violations” that were not specified, according to the Tasnim news agency.  

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WNU Editor: Iran is responding to this .... US Seizes 600,000 Barrels Of Smuggled Iranian Crude Oil From A Formerly Russian-Flagged Tanker. This is escalating fast. 

Iran Seizes 2 Greek Tankers in Persian Gulf After U.S. Seizes Iranian Oil From A Tanker Off The Coast Of Greece  

IRGC Navy seizes 2 Greek oil tankers in Persian Gulf -- MEHR News Agency (Iran) 

Iran Seizes 2 Greek Tankers in Persian Gulf, Tensions Spike -- AP  

Greece accuses Iran of 'piracy' following seizure of two oil tankers in Gulf -- France 24  

Iran seizes two Greek tankers amid row over U.S oil grab -- Reuters 

Iran says it has seized two Greek tankers in Persian Gulf -- DW  

Iran Seizes 2 Greek Tankers In Gulf As Retaliation For US Taking Oil -- Zero Hedge

US Seizes 600,000 Barrels Of Smuggled Iranian Crude Oil From A Formerly Russian-Flagged Tanker

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker Ice Energy on Thursday transfers crude oil from the Iranian-flagged oil tanker Lana, off the shore of Karystos in Greece. (Reuters)  

RFE: Iranian Oil Seized From Formerly Russian-Flagged Tanker Stopped Off Greece  

The United States has confiscated Iranian oil held on a Russian-operated ship near the Greek island of Evia in the Aegean Sea, according to news reports quoting Greek sources. 

 Following a "judicial intervention by U.S. authorities concerning the ship's cargo," the process is currently under way for the oil "to be handed over" at U.S. government expense, an unidentified official quoted on May 26 by the AP news agency said. 

The vessel was temporarily seized by Greek authorities on April 15 when it anchored off the port of Karystos on Evia. At the time, it was flying a Russian flag and was carrying a crew of 19 Russians.  

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US Seizes 600,000 Barrels Of Smuggled Iranian Crude Oil From A Formerly Russian-Flagged Tanker  

U.S. seizes Iranian oil cargo near Greek island - sources -- Reuters  

US Seizes Tanker Full of Iranian Oil Near Greece -- Antiwar.com  

US Seizes Oil from Shadowy Russian Tanker -- Maritime Executive  

US seizes 600,000 barrels of smuggled Iranian crude oil -- Arab News 

Iran lodges protest over ship seized in Greek waters -- AP

Iran to take 'punitive action' against Greece over seizure of Iranian oil - Nour News -- Reuters 

Iran summons Swiss envoy over US oil seizure -- Al Jazeera

US Imposes Sanctions On Iran's Missile Program After Missile Strikes In Iraq, Gulf

View of a damaged building in the aftermath of missile attacks in Erbil, Iraq March 13, 2022. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari  

Reuters: U.S. issues sanctions over Iran ballistic missiles 

* The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on an Iran-based man and his network of companies it accused of helping Tehran obtain materials for its ballistic missile program. 

* The U.S. Treasury Department said it acted after Iran’s missile attack on Erbil in Iraq and an “Iranian enabled” Houthi missile attack against a Saudi Aramco facility this month, as well as other missile attacks by Iranian proxies against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. 

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on an Iran-based man and his network of companies it accused of helping Tehran obtain materials for its ballistic missile program, acting after missile attacks by suspected Iranian-backed proxies on countries in the region. 

In a statement issued as talks on reviving the 2015 Iran nuclear deal have stalled, the U.S. Treasury Department said it acted after Iran’s missile attack on Erbil in Iraq and an “Iranian enabled” Houthi missile attack against a Saudi Aramco facility this month, as well as other missile attacks by Iranian proxies against Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.  

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WNU Editor: Iran has responded .... Iran says U.S. violates U.N. resolution linked to nuclear deal (Reuters). 

 US Imposes Sanctions On Iran's Missile Program After Missile Strikes In Iraq, Gulf  

US sanctions Iranians after missile strikes in Iraq, Gulf -- ABC News/AP  

US sanctions suppliers to Iran's ballistic missile programme -- Middle East Eye  

US imposes new sanctions against Iran’s ballistic missile program -- CNN  

Treasury Department sanctions Iranian companies, agent over missile attack -- UPI  

US targets Iran missile program with sanctions after strikes on regional rivals -- Times of Israel

U.S. sanctions key figures in Iran's ballistic missile program -- Axios

US Justice Department Announces 'Largest-Ever' Forfeiture Of Iranian Weapons And Oil Seized In US Navy Raids

The US seized 150 'Dehlavieh' anti-tank guided missiles. Photo: US Justice Department of Justice  

The National: US seizes Iranian weapons and oil worth millions in Arabian Gulf 

* Navy thwarted two attempts to smuggle arms to Houthis and also impounded fuel shipment destined for Venezuela 

The US government has won court cases related to the seizure of two large shipments of Iranian arms destined for Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Justice Department said on Tuesday. 

It has also sold more than $20 million worth of oil that Iran covertly shipped abroad in defiance of US sanctions. 

The Justice Department said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was behind the weapons shipments headed for Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. The seized arms comprised 171 guided anti-tank missiles, eight surface-to-air missiles, land-attack and anti-ship cruise missile components, thermal weapons optics and other missile and unmanned aerial vehicle parts.  

Read more .... 

US Justice Department Announces 'Largest-Ever' Forfeiture Of Iranian Weapons And Oil Seized In US Navy Raids  

US announces 'largest-ever' forfeiture of Iranian missiles, oil seized in US Navy raids -- Jerusalem Post 

US reveals its largest-ever grab of weapons shipment by Iran’s Guards -- The Times Of Israel 

DOJ forfeits largest-ever weapons cache seized from Iranian vessels -- FOX News 

DOJ Announces US Navy Seized Iranian Terrorist Arms Shipments Bound for Militants in Yemen -- Newsweek  

US sells Iranian crude seized on the high seas -- RT  

US Claims It’s Thwarted Multiple Iranian Attempts to Smuggle Weapons, Oil to Yemen, Venezuela -- Sputnik

Western Leaders Say No Easing Of Sanctions Until Iran Slows Its Nuclear Development And Opening Up To Inspections

 

NPR: Biden, other leaders say no easing sanctions until Iran slows its nuclear development 

ROME — President Biden and three European leaders sent a clear signal to Iran on Saturday that they are ready to return to the scuttled deal that eased sanctions against the country, in return for Iran limiting its nuclear program and opening it up to inspections. 

Biden, outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson made it clear in a joint statement, however, that they would not ease sanctions until Iran takes a first step toward ratcheting back efforts that the international community says are aimed at developing a nuclear weapon — an end goal Iran has repeatedly denied. 

The leaders were meeting on the sidelines of a G-20 global finance conference here.  

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WNU Editor: Iran's view is that the ball is in Biden's court .... Iran says Biden can issue 'executive order' if serious about returning to nuclear pact (Reuters). The U.S. has a different point of view .... Biden Hits Iran With New Sanctions Ahead of Nuclear Deal Talks (Antiwar.com). 

More News On Western Leaders Warning Iran That Sanctions Will Continue If Nuclear Talks Do Not Proceed  

US, European allies warn of Iran’s ‘provocative’ nuke steps -- AP  

Biden, European leaders urge Iran to resume talks to avoid “dangerous escalation” -- Axios  

Western leaders warn Iran on nuclear deal -- Politico.eu  

US, UK, France, Germany say they’re concerned about Iran’s ‘provocative nuclear steps’ in G20 statement, urge ‘full compliance’ -- RT

Iran nuclear deal: Western leaders urge Iran to act in 'good faith' -- Middle East Eye

US would only quit Iran nuclear deal if Tehran were to renege, Biden pledges -- The Guardian

President Biden Quietly Removes Sanctions On Iranian Missile Companies

An Iranian clergyman looks at domestically built surface to surface missiles displayed by the Revolutionary Guard in a military show marking the 40th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, at Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque in Tehran, Iran, February 3, 2019. (Vahid Salemi/AP)  

The Algemeiner: US Treasury Department Lifts Sanctions on Companies Involved in ‘Providing Support’ for Iran’s Ballistic Missile Program 

An advocacy group dedicated to preventing Iran from gaining nuclear capability has raised questions over a recent decision by US Treasury Department to lift sanctions on two companies heavily involved in Iran’s ballistic missile program. 

The Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated last week that it would be removing sanctions on the Mammut Industrial Group and its subsidiary Mammut Diesel. No explanation was given for the decision.  

Read more ....  

Update: U.S. lifts sanctions against two Iranian companies (UPI).  

WNU Editor: Another reversal of former President Trump's sanctions on Iran. Not surprising, Israel wants answers .... Israel Demanding Answers After Biden Quietly Removed Sanctions On Iranian Missile Companies (Zero Hedge).

Iran's Has A 'Ghost Armada' Of 123 Sanction-Busting Tankers Selling Black Market Oil To China

A ‘ghost armada’ of sanctions-busting tankers carrying black-market oil to China is bankrolling Iran’s secret nuclear programme  

Daily Mail: Revealed: Iran's 'ghost armada' of 123 sanction-busting tankers is selling black market oil to China to bankroll its secret nuclear programme 

* Iran has almost doubled its fleet sailing under other countries' flags to 123 

* Let China smuggle up to million barrels of oil per day, two-thirds UK's daily rise 

* Intelligence experts warn growing fleet shows Iran is boosting nuclear capability 

A ‘ghost armada’ of sanctions-busting tankers carrying black-market oil to China is bankrolling Iran’s secret nuclear programme, The Mail on Sunday can reveal. 

The rogue state has almost doubled its fleet sailing under other countries’ flags to 123 in the past year, letting China smuggle in up to a million barrels of oil per day – or two-thirds of the UK’s daily use. 

Intelligence experts warn that the expanded fleet shows Iran, which announced hardliner Ebrahim Raisi as its president yesterday, is boosting development of its nuclear capability despite international curbs.  

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WNU Editor: If the Daily Mail knows about Iran's "ghost oil tanker" fleet, it is a given that the U.S intel community and its allies know about them too. The fact that the U.S. is doing to not to stop this Iran - China oil says volumes on today's geopolitical environment and China's willingness to ignore international laws with no fear of reprisal.

Iran's President Rouhani Says U.S. Will Lift All Sanctions

FILE PHOTO: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council In Yerevan, Armenia October 1, 2019  

Reuters: Iran's Rouhani says U.S. will lift sanctions, as another official denies it 

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's president said on Thursday that the United States was ready to lift sanctions on his country's oil, banking and shipping sectors that were reimposed after former U.S. President Donald Trump exited a 2015 nuclear deal three years ago. 

Iran and world powers have been in talks since April on reviving the deal and the EU official leading the discussions said on Wednesday he was confident a deal would be reached. 

But European diplomats said success was not guaranteed and very difficult issues remained, while a senior Iranian official contradicted the president.  

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WNU Editor: Rumors have been circulating for the past few weeks that all the main points on lifting sanctions have been agreed upon. The Iranian President is clearly confident that an announcement is going to be made soon. 

And not a moment too soon for President Rouhani. Iranians go to the polls later this year. 

More News On Iran's President Rouhani Saying U.S. Will Lift All Sanctions  

Iran president gives his most upbeat view yet of nuke talks -- AP  

Rouhani: 'Western countries have agreed to lift all major sanctions against Iran' -- i24 News 

Rouhani claims US has agreed to lift key Iran sanctions -- Al-monitor  

Iran president: 'Main agreement' made with world powers to lift sanctions -- The Hill  

Iran's president says 'main agreement' reached in Vienna talks to revive nuclear deal -- CGTN

U.S. May Lift Some Sanctions Against Iran

Police stand outside a hotel where a meeting of the Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran nuclear deal, is held in Vienna, Austria, April 20, 2021. (REUTERS/LEONHARD FOEGER)  

CNN: US weighs unfreezing $1 billion in Iranian funds 

(CNN)The Biden administration is weighing unfreezing $1 billion in Iranian funds that the country could use for humanitarian relief, amid the negotiations for the US to reenter the 2015 nuclear deal and bring Iran back into compliance with its terms. 

It is not clear whether the release of the funds would occur unilaterally, but one line of thought is that it could serve as a useful goodwill gesture to Tehran, according to three people briefed on the internal deliberations, as the talks in Vienna enter their second month with no concrete signs yet of a breakthrough. 

The Iranians continue to demand sanctions relief in return for compliance with the nuclear deal. The funds would not be provided in cash; instead, they'd be allocated to a Swiss channel, known as the Swiss Humanitarian Trade Arrangement, which was set up last year to allow humanitarian aid like food and medicine to be sent to Iran without violating US sanctions.  

Read more ....  

Update: US weighing $1b in humanitarian aid for Iran as a show of goodwill - CNN (Jerusalem Post)  

WNU Editor: The Iranians want more .... U.S. ready to lift many sanctions but Iran says it wants more (Reuters).

In the meantime there are conflicting reports on a possible US - Iran deal. 

On one side there are claims of progress .... Nuclear Talks With Iran Could Reach Agreement Within Weeks, U.S. Says (New York Times). On the other side there are reports of large differences .... Large gaps remain in US-Iran talks on return to nuclear deal – report (times of Israel).

U.S. Sanctions Chinese, Vietnamese, And UAE-Based Companies Over The Sale Of Iranian Petrochemicals

Reuters: U.S. blacklists Chinese, UAE-based companies over sale of Iranian petrochemicals 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on companies based in China and the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of supporting the sale of Iranian petrochemicals as Washington increases pressure on Tehran in the closing days of President Donald Trump’s term. 

The U.S. Treasury Department said in a statement it had blacklisted the four entities for facilitating the export of Iranian petrochemical products by Triliance Petrochemical Co. Ltd, which was hit with sanctions by Washington earlier this year. 

Also targeted in the move was Vietnam Gas and Chemicals Transportation Corporation over its connection with significant transactions for the transport of petroleum products from Iran, the Treasury said. 

Vietnam said on Thursday it regretted the U.S. decision to sanction the company and hoped that the U.S. would remove the sanctions. 

Read more ....

Update: US Notifies China It Will Enforce Trump-Era Sanctions On Iran Oil Shipments (Zero Hedge) 

WNU Editor: China is the worst offender of Iranian sanctions .... Iranian Oil Exports Is Clogging Up Chinese Ports (March 11, 2021),

Iran Says The US Has Agreed To Release $3bln Of Frozen Iranian Assets In South Korea, Oman, And Iraq

TEHRAN (FNA)- Secretary-General of Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce Seyed Hamid Hosseini said that $3bln of Iran’s frozen assets in Iraq, Oman and South Korea will be released. 

Fars News Agency: Official: Iraq, Oman, S. Korea to Unblock Iran’s Assets 

“The US has agreed with releasing $3bln of Iran’s resources in South Korea, Oman and Iraq,” Hosseini told FNA on Sunday. 

He added that a senior advisor to the Iraqi prime minister has also confirmed that some parts of Iran’s blocked assets in Iraq will be released and used to send humanitarian goods to Iran 

“Recently, a shipment of corn entered Iran from Iraq which is the result of the release of these resources,” Hosseini said. 

Hosseini had also on Saturday wrote on his twitter page that that according to some Iraqi sources Baghdad is going to unblock Iranian revenues.

“Reliable sources in Iraq suggest that the US has agreed to release Iranian resources at the Trade Bank of Iraq,” he said, adding that they have announced that several transactions have been made on the issue. 

Read more .... 

WNU editor: There has been no confirmation of this news story from the White House or media. 

 More News On Reports That The US Has Agreed To Release $3bln Frozen Iranian Assets In South Korea, Oman, And Iraq 

Iran says US approved release of $3 bln of Iran’s funds in Iraq, Oman, S. Korea -- Al Arabiya 

Iran says US approved release of $3 bln of Iran’s funds in Iraq, Oman, S. Korea -- Ammon News 

US Agrees to Release Frozen Iranian Assets in Iraq -- Asharq Al-Awsat 

Reports: Iraq Releasing Billions in Iranian Frozen Assets with US Approval -- Jewish Press

In The Final Days Of The Trump Presidency, US Imposes Fresh Sanctions On Iran

CNBC/Reuters: US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran in final days of Trump presidency 

 * The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on companies in Iran, China and the United Arab Emirates for doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and on three Iranian entities over conventional arms proliferation. 

 * In a statement later on Friday, Pompeo said he was also increasing the scope of metals-related sanctions against Iran administered by the State Department. 

 * Those who knowingly transfer 15 materials which the State Department says are used in connection with Iran’s nuclear, military or ballistic missile programs, including certain types of aluminum and steel, would be subject to sanctions, he said. 

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on companies in Iran, China and the United Arab Emirates for doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines and on three Iranian entities over conventional arms proliferation. 

They are the latest in a series of measures aimed at stepping up pressure on Tehran in the waning days of President Donald Trump’s administration, which ends on Wednesday. 

Read more .... 

 More News On The U.S. Imposing New Sanctions On Iran 

US slaps more sanctions on Iran in final days of Trump presidency -- Al Jazeera 

U.S. Targets Iranian Shipping with Fresh Sanctions in Final Days of Trump Presidency -- gCaptain/Reuters 

State Department Slaps Sanctions on Iran's Defence Sector Over Conventional Weapons Sales -- Sputnik U.S. plans new Iran sanctions related to metals, conventional arms -- Reuters

Iranian Ships Continue To Sock At Venezuelan Ports

#Iranian ship arrives at Venezuelan port in defiance of US #sanctions #Venezuela #Iran https://t.co/4KPgtjRDXJ

— Press TV (@PressTV) January 9, 2021

Reuters: Iranian ship arrives at Venezuelan port, data shows 

CARACAS (Reuters) - An Iranian ship arrived at the Venezuelan port of La Guaira on Thursday, according to Refinitiv Eikon data, in what appeared to be a continuation of the commercial alliance between the two countries targeted by U.S. sanctions. 

Iran has been supplying gasoline to ease fuel shortages in Venezuela caused by decay of the South American nation’s refineries and worsened by sanctions. 

It has also shipped food to help the government of President Nicolas Maduro. 

The Iranian-flagged general cargo ship Golsan, owned by Mosakhar Darya Shipping Co, left Iran in late November, according to Eikon data. It was not immediately evident what cargo it was carrying. 

Read more .... 

Update: Iran Hails 'Victory' While Tankers & Cargo Ships Continue Arriving At Venezuelan Port (Zero Hedge) 

WNU Editor: It looks like the incoming Biden administration is going to turn a blind-eye to these sanction-busting shipments .... All carrot, no stick: Biden seeks negotiations with Venezuela’s Maduro and his allies (World Oil/Bloomberg).

Iran To Raise Oil Exports If Biden Relaxes Crippling Sanctions According To State Media

Reuters: Iran prepares to raise oil exports if sanctions eased: state media (Reuters) - Iran has instructed its oil ministry to prepare installations for production and sale of crude oil at full capacity within three months, state media said on Sunday, ahead of a possible easing of U.S. sanctions after President-elect Joe Biden takes office. 

They quoted President Hassan Rouhani as saying that Iran exported more than two million barrels a day before U.S. President Donald Trump exited the 2015 nuclear deal with six powers in 2018 and reimposed sanctions that have hit Iran’s economy hard by sharply cutting its vital oil exports. 

Read more .... 

Update #1: Iran will reportedly hike oil production if Biden eases sanctions Trump imposed -- NYPost Update #2: Iran to raise oil exports if sanctions are eased: state media -- CGTN 

WNU Editor: India is ready to buy .... India looks to resume Iran, Venezuela oil imports under Biden (Reuters).