Countdown Iran » U.S. Sanctions

Italian-Iranian Trade Thrives, Supports Tehran’s Nuclear Program

C.I. — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:57:27 +0000

FEB. 1 – “According to the fat trade contracts current with Tehran, Italy would be more accurately described as ‘Iran’s biggest friend’ – at least, in Europe, where the Berlusconi government is also fighting to spare the Islamic Republic further sanctions,” reports Debka File.

The Cable: Full Speed Ahead for Iran Sanctions Bill

C.I. — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:09:19 +0000

JAN. 20 – “Despite the rapidly evolving situation on the ground in Iran, the [ U.S.] Senate is planning to move forward with its Iran sanctions legislation,” reports The Cable, citing multiple Hill sources.

Chinese Envoy Objects to Additional Iran Penalties

C.I. — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:33:29 +0000

JAN. 6 - Zhang Yesui, the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, said in a press conference Tuesday that his country opposed tougher sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

“Sanctions themselves are not an end,” he said. According to a report in today’s New York Times, the Chinese buy about 15 percent of their oil from Iran.

“State-run companies like the China National Petroleum Corporation have signed billions of dollars’ worth of deals to help Iran develop oil and gas fields and to expand its refining capacity,” according to the Times.

See also today’s report in the Washington Post.

On Jan. 4, the Wall Street Journal, highlighting a recent report by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, described how Chinese firms have been evading U.S. sanctions imposed because of proliferation to Iran.

Required Reading: How China Evades U.S. Sanctions

C.I. — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 21:06:27 +0000

JAN. 4 – Today’s Wall Street Journal, highlighting a recent report by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control, describes how Chinese firms have been evading U.S. sanctions imposed because of proliferation to Iran.