US imposes new sanctions on Iran oil sector
US: US President Barack Obama on Tuesday imposed new economic
sanctions on Iran's oil export sector and on a pair of Chinese and Iraqi
banks accused of doing business with Tehran.
In a statement released by the White House, Obama said the new
measures underlined the United States' determination to force Tehran “to
meet its international obligations” in nuclear negotiations.
The sanctions came on the same day as the US State Department branded
Iran “an active state sponsor of terrorism” in its 2011 annual terrorism
report, and as US lawmakers prepared to vote legislation demanding more
action.
Obama is keen to show his Iranian sanctions regime is tough, amid
fears Israel may launch unilateral strikes against Iran if it believes
the Islamic regime is on the point of achieving the capability to build
a nuclear bomb.
“This action is designed to deter Iran from establishing payment
mechanisms for the purchase of Iranian oil to circumvent existing
sanctions,” Obama said, warning that US sanctions will be apply to any
entity buying Iranian oil.
Obama said measures would be taken against firms that have dealings
with the National Iranian Oil Company, the Naftiran Intertrade Company
or the Central Bank of Iran or that help Iran buy US dollars or precious
metals. AFP |