WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump is expected this week to extend relief from economic sanctions to Iran as part of the nuclear deal, citing progress in amending US legislation that governs Washington’s participation in the landmark accord, according to US officials and others familiar with the administration’s deliberations.
But Trump is likely to pair his decision to renew the concessions to Tehran with new, targeted sanctions on Iranian businesses and people, the six people briefed on the matter said. The restrictions could hit some firms and individuals whose sanctions were scrapped under the 2015 nuclear agreement, a decision that could test Tehran’s willingness to abide by its side of the bargain.
The individuals — two administration officials, two congressional aides and two outside experts who consult with the government — weren’t authorized to speak publicly on the matter and demanded anonymity. They cautioned that Trump could still reject the recommendation from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and national security adviser H.R. McMaster and that no final decision had been made. They said heated discussions were going on within the administration and with key Republican lawmakers.
Trump must decide by Friday to extend the nuclear-related sanctions relief for Iran’s central bank or re-impose the restrictions that President Barack Obama suspended two years ago.
The old, central bank sanctions largely cut Iran out of the international financial system, and are considered to be the most powerful of the penalties imposed by the US during the Obama era, along with global penalties for buying Iranian oil. Some Iran hawks want to see both sets of restrictions return, but the six people with knowledge of Trump’s plans say the president isn’t planning to reinstate either at this point.
The individuals said Trump’s top national security aides appear to have successfully made a different case to the president: Waiving anew for 120 days the nuclear-linked sanctions while simultaneously imposing new measures to punish Iran’s ballistic missile testing, alleged terrorism support and human rights violations.
US to extend Iran sanctions relief: AP sources
US to extend Iran sanctions relief: AP sources
KSrelief’s efforts alleviate suffering worldwide
- Among the Kingdom’s most notable humanitarian achievements is the Saudi Separation of Conjoined Twins Program, launched in 1990, which has gained regional and international recognition for its excellence
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia continues to consolidate its leading role in international humanitarian work, embodying the values of generosity and human solidarity through wide-ranging relief efforts across the globe.
Since its inception, the Kingdom has provided more than $142 billion in humanitarian, development, and charitable assistance and implemented 8,457 projects in 173 countries worldwide.
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center was established in 2015, with the aim to boost transparency, impartiality, and professionalism.
Its work extends beyond the provision of emergency assistance to include empowering affected communities and enhancing their capacity to recover from crises, reflecting the Kingdom’s enduring commitment to sustainable humanitarian impact.
Among the Kingdom’s most notable humanitarian achievements is the Saudi Separation of Conjoined Twins Program, launched in 1990, which has gained regional and international recognition for its excellence.
