Massive US sanctions against Iran: "maximum pressure" – with exceptions

Monday, the United States will implement new mbadive sanctions against Iran – Tehran should be particularly sensitive to the measures taken against the oil and banking sector. However, there should be exceptions.

In the nuclear dispute with Iran, the United States will tighten their sanctions from Monday on their sanctions – and this time, Tehran will be particularly affected. "The maximum pressure is called maximum pressure," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, at the time of the announcement of punitive measures.

This time, the oil and banking sector is at the center of concern, which is fundamental for the Iranian economy. Therefore, the measures that Tehran should also hit particularly hard. Washington wants to completely stop the lucrative activities of Iranian oil. Companies and countries that continue to trade oil with Iran are exposed to penalties if they are excluded from the US market.

Exceptions – but not for the EU

However, at least for the moment, eight countries should be exempted from sanctions. Pompeo justifies this decision by stating that these countries have clearly sought to "reduce to zero" Iran's oil imports. In addition, it is necessary to avoid the turbulence too violent in the oil market.

It is still unclear for which states such a rule applies – but according to Pompeo, the EU is not in fact one. Washington observers believe that India, Japan and South Korea are on the list. And Turkey also said it obtained a derogation.

Tehran left demonstratively

Iran was obviously unimpressed by a first reaction. Washington will not achieve its political goals with sanctions, according to the Tehran Foreign Ministry. At most a psychological effect that will not "intimidate the brave Iranian people".

Iran in acute financial crisis

However, Iran is going through an acute financial crisis since the withdrawal of the United States from the international nuclear agreement in May. The rial in national currency has since lost more than 60% in value.

The 2015 nuclear deal aims to prevent Iran from building nuclear weapons, but allows it to use nuclear energy peacefully. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly confirmed that Tehran was adhering to the agreements. However, the government of US President Trump accuses Iran of continuing to pursue the construction of an atomic bomb.