India has effectively pulled back from Iran’s Chabahar port following the reimposition of U.S. sanctions. The move comes after India paid $120 million to Iran before the sanctions took effect. Iran can now use these funds to operate the port without India’s involvement. The withdrawal was marked by the collective resignation of government representatives from […]
US Sanctions
US to keep or sell oil seized off Venezuela, Trump says
Former US president Donald Trump said Washington would keep or sell crude oil seized from tankers intercepted off the coast of Venezuela, along with the vessels themselves, as pressure mounts on Caracas. His remarks come amid an expanded US naval presence and a tightening blockade targeting Venezuela’s oil trade. Read More: Oil prices rise after US intercepts Venezuelan tanker Speaking […]
China criticises US seizure of ships over Venezuela oil
China on Monday strongly criticised the United States (US) for seizing Venezuela oil, calling the move a serious violation of international law. The reaction followed the interception of a China-bound oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela by US authorities. Read More: China defends Venezuela, condemns US economic measures Speaking at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese foreign […]
ICC judges sanctioned by US after ruling against Israel
The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on two more International Criminal Court judges. The move follows their rejection of Israel’s attempt to halt a Gaza war crimes probe. The judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze of Georgia and Erdenebalsuren Damdin of Mongolia, are now barred from entering the US and face blocked property or financial transactions. Secretary […]
Oil price rise on US sanctions, Venezuela tanker risks
BEIJING: Oil prices climbed on Thursday amid reports that the United States may impose new sanctions on Russian oil if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal with Ukraine. Market participants also weighed the potential supply risks from a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers. Read More: India defies sanctions with strong Russian oil imports US West […]
Trump orders blockade on oil tankers linked to Venezuela
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The move is part of Washington’s latest effort to increase pressure on President Nicolas Maduro’s government by targeting its main source of revenue. Read More: US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker, tensions soar Trump announced the […]
Trump grants Hungary exemption from Russian energy sanctions
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump granted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban a one-year exemption from sanctions on Russian oil and gas following a White House meeting on Friday. The exemption comes after Trump imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies last month in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Read More: EU approves […]
US delists Syrian leaders from global terror sanctions
WASHINGTON: The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has removed Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa from the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs), while the Treasury Department simultaneously delisted Syrian Interior Minister Anas Hasan Khattab from the same sanctions regime. The move follows a UN Security Council resolution, supported by Pakistan and 14 other […]
India quietly edges toward compromise on Russian oil
India’s defiant stance against US pressure to halt imports of discounted Russian crude may be softening behind the scenes. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public insistence on “strategic autonomy,” reports suggest that Washington and New Delhi are inching closer to a trade deal — one that could see India gradually reducing its dependence on Russian […]
Iran’s foreign minister: US sanctions ‘unacceptable’
Iran’s foreign minister says his country is committed to an international nuclear deal but that the escalating US sanctions are “unacceptable.” The remarks come amid rising tensions in the Mideast, with allegations of sabotage targeting oil tankers near the Arabian Gulf, a drone attack by Yemen’s Iranian-allied rebels and the dispatch of US warships and […]