US Grants Sanctions Exemptions to Which Countries to Continue Buying Oil from Iran

US officials announced that eight countries and regions have been temporarily exempted from US sanctions against the Islamic Republic in order to continue purchasing oil, in recognition of their cooperation in reducing oil and gas purchases from the Islamic Republic.

Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, confirmed on Monday morning in Washington that the United States is granting sanctions exemptions to China, India, Japan, Greece, Italy, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey to continue purchasing oil from Iran.

Regarding details of the second phase of sanctions against Iran, he said although we have granted exemptions to some countries to continue purchasing oil from Iran, 20 countries have stopped buying oil from Iran, and the countries that have received exemptions to continue purchasing oil from Iran have reduced their oil purchases from Iran.

The second round of US sanctions, which targets Iran’s oil industry, shipping, and banking system, went into effect on Monday.

The United States hopes that Iran will change its policies in the region and negotiate for a more comprehensive agreement beyond the JCPOA.

Iran’s leaders say they will not engage in new negotiations.

Source: Voice of America