Iran Plays Down US Plan to End Oil Waivers, Says Sanctions Unlawful
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Washington’s announced decision to end the waivers that allow countries to import Iranian oil has no credibility from the viewpoint of Iran, as the US sanctions are illegal in essence, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
In a statement on Monday, Abbas Mousavi said given the illegal nature of the US sanctions, the Islamic Republic of Iran has not considered and will not consider any value or credit for the waivers the US has granted to the customers of the Iranian oil.
However, he added, considering the negative impacts these sanctions have in practice and the possibility of further intensification of these negative impacts following the US refusal to renew the waivers, the Iranian Foreign Ministry today has been constantly in touch with all relevant institutions inside the country while holding intensive talks with many of its foreign partners including the Europeans, the neighbors, and other countries in the world.
"The result of these contacts and consultations with Iranian and foreign officials has been reported to the highest decision-making authorities, and an appropriate decision on the issue will soon be taken and made public," the Foreign Ministry’s website quoted him as saying.
It came after the White House said on Monday that US President Donald Trump "has decided not to reissue" waivers regarding sanctions against countries importing Iranian oil when the waivers expire "in early May."
The exact deadline is May 2.
"This decision is intended to bring Iran's oil exports to zero, denying the regime its principal source of revenue," the statement from White House press secretary Sarah Sanders read.
Countries that continue to import Iranian oil in large amounts include India, China, South Korea, Japan and Turkey.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday that Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to "ensure an appropriate supply (of oil) for the markets" in order to make up for the loss of Iranian oil in the global market.