US Extends Sanctions against Iran

04.11.2016
Iran

The US' unilateral sanctions against Iran imposed 37 years ago have been extended for another year, despite some concessions that have occurred in recent years.

Easing sanctions: in whose favor?

In early October, the sanctions concerning banking and authorized dollar transactions passing through offshore companies not concerning the US Department of the Treasury, were canceled. In addition, it has now become possible to conduct transactions with companies controlled by individuals under sanctions.

The sanctions were lifted after British Petroleum oil company announced a deal with Iran, the largest one in the past few years. Officials in Washington recognized that sanctions have been relaxed for the convenience of international business.

Similarly, the anti-Russian sanctions were eased when Washington was faced with the need to service helicopters in Afghanistan. In this case, sanctions against the Russian defense company Rosoboronexport were lifted.

The US is obviously removing those sanctions which are not beneficial to them, while forcing Europe to renew others, leading them to economic collapse.

Europe’s response

However, in the case of Iran, Europe does not suffer so much from the sanctions policy. The Iranian ambassador in London, Baedinezhad Hamid, has stated that all the financial, banking, and economic sanctions imposed by the EU against Iran have been lifted.

German Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel said on a visit to Tehran that "our goal is to support the current government [of Iran] on her way to knowledge of the world."

However, the minister said nothing about how to achieve this goal.

In addition, the European Parliament resolution outlining the main directions of relations between the EU and Tehran was adopted without consultation with Iran, which led to its dissatisfaction. "The EU has no right to dictate to Iran how and what to do”, Secretary of Staff on Human Rights, Mohammad Javad Larijani, said on this matter.

 

Tehran’s resentment

Shortly before the White House’s press service announced the extension of sanctions, Tehran’s plans regarding the US and Europe become known.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered to send members of the elite Revolutionary Guards unit to the US and Europe. Their task is presumed to be preventing any attack on Iran.

Iran's leadership is aware of several plans against the achievements of the Islamic revolution.

In addition, Deputy Commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Brigadier General Hossein Salami, said that Iran would be ready to "send the nuclear deal to the museum"  if Washington does not fulfill its obligations on its nuclear program.

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