Pompeo: US to Consider Waivers from Sanctions

Some countries that are able to demonstrate their need to buy Iranian oil might be exempted from American sanctions. The news came from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in an interview with Sky News Arabia in Abu Dhabi. He explained that US policy was not at causing hardships to Iranian citizens, but rather it is trying to convince the Iranian government that their people’s lot will improve as the government’s behavior improves. The interference with Iran’s oil business is intended to be a sign for officials that government policies that run counter to international norms carry a high cost. The American ban on purchasing Iranian petroleum products is impacting with a reduced international oil supply. Iranian leaders have acknowledged their understanding of the intent behind US sanctions but vowed to remain in the international market. For its part, Tehran has threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz through which a majority of international oil is transport.