Russia calls US tightening of Iran oil sanctions 'aggressive, reckless'
Russia yesterday called the US tightening of oil sanctions on Iran an "aggressive and reckless" policy after Washington announced it was seeking to stop all exports of Iranian crude. "Such course of action adds nothing to the Americans' international standing," the Russian foreign ministry said, adding, "The rest of the world perfectly understands that Washington's policy is becoming more and more aggressive and reckless."
Washington desires to make world bend to its will: Russia
The ministry said that "Washington isn't even hiding its desire to make the world bend to its will," branding the heightened Iran sanctions "disturbing". The United States Monday announced that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea, and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude.
Russia praised Tehran's "restraint" over "arrogant American provocations"
The move targets the Islamic Republic's main economic earner and adds to sanctions pressure that has built up under US President Donald Trump, who has pulled his country out of a 2015 international deal, which was aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. Russia, which is allied with Iran in Syria, praised Tehran's "restraint" over "the arrogant American provocations".
Trump's decision has led to commercial tensions with China, India
Russia called for all parties "with common sense" to do what they can to ensure the accord over Iran's nuclear activities survives. Trump's decision to do away with the waivers has seen global oil prices rise, along with commercial tensions with China and India.
