US’ Iran Nuclear Sanctions Extended

Sanctions on Iran by the US were renewed for 60 days by the Trump administration as both the countries fight the wrath of the pandemic Coronavirus. Iran has accused US of ‘medical terror’ at a time when Iran is dealing with health crisis. Complete Coverage: Coronavirus

Crux of the Matter

Max Pressure Campaign On 30th March 2020, the US renewed sanctions on Iran for 60 more days as the Islamic Republic battles COVID-19. The superpower has imposed 4 sanctions that tighten the pressure on Iran to stop developing nuclear armaments. However, this will allow non-proliferation activities to continue at Bushehr nuclear power plant, Arak research reactor, and Tehran Research reactor. The sanctions, which are also renewable after 60 days, allow Russian, Chinese and European companies to work on Iran’s civilian nuclear facilities without attracting any penalties from the US.

US is renewing four nuclear restrictions on Iran for an additional 60 days. We’ll closely monitor developments in Iran’s nuclear program and can adjust these restrictions at any time. As President Trump said, Iran will never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Morgan Ortagus, Spokesperson, US State Department

Special Coverage: US-Iran: New Decade Starts With Rekindling Old Rivalry

Rewind Time In 2015, Iran and the P5+1 nations (US, UK, Russia, France, China, and Germany) agreed upon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Iran agreed to curb nuclear capabilities and allowed UN’s nuclear facility checks at any time. On the other hand, the Obama-led US lifted economic and other sanctions on Iran. In 2018, the Trump administration pulled out of the JCPOA and reinstated the economic sanctions on Iran. US sanctions mean that any country that trades with Iran will also be put under trade ban and other bans by the US. However, India is exempt from US sanctions on Iran for the construction of the Chabahar port.

Why is it a Heated Topic Today? Both the nations are hotspots for Coronavirus. US has over 2 lakh cases whereas Iran is nearing 50,000. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that this was not a time for political war and accused US of “medical terror”. Iran accuses US sanctions for its current situation with the pandemic. US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus defended US action by saying that it is not the sanctions but the regime that has put Iranians in this situation.

.@SecPompeo: Our pressure campaign is designed to induce Iran to act like a normal country. I urged our #G7 partners to go further in joining us – and they should especially stand with the U.S. in ensuring that Iran never obtain a nuclear weapon. pic.twitter.com/YtHWqSXotP — Department of State (@StateDept) March 26, 2020

US sanctions have made the import and export of medical or any other goods or services more expensive and time-consuming. China, Britain, Germany, France, and the European Union came to assist Iran by providing cash, medical equipment, protective suits, gloves, masks, etc.

Curiopedia

Iran and the United States have had no formal diplomatic relations since 1980. Pakistan serves as Iran’s protecting power in the United States, while Switzerland serves as the United States’ protecting power in Iran. Contacts are carried out through the Iranian Interests Section of the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and the US Interests Section of the Swiss Embassy in Tehran. As of 2018, Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei banned direct talks with the United States. More Info

Curated Coverage

1. Business Standard – US govt renews 4 restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program for 60 days

2. Republic World – US Renews Restrictions On Iran’s Nuclear Program For 60 Days Amid COVID-19 Crisis

3. Washington Post – As coronavirus cases explode in Iran, U.S. sanctions hinder its access to drugs and medical equipment

4. Al Jazeera – US extends Iran nuclear cooperation sanctions waivers

5. New York Times – Iran Says U.S. Sanctions Are Taking Lives. U.S. Officials Disagree.

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