Since the US opted in May to pull out of the Iran nuclear accords, officials have taken a hardline stance regarding Iranian oil exports. Typical soundbites have been that the government wants to bring Iranian exports down to zero, although there has never yet been clarity on whether waivers would be granted. Key buyer South Korea opted to halt imports entirely and stopped liftings after June (MEES, 3 August). Meanwhile Japan said it would halt imports in October (MEES, 7 September).
However, on 31 October, US National Security Advisor John Bolton said waivers may be on the table as “we don’t want to harm friends.” This followed State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladono saying on 30 October that “we are prepared to work with countries that are reducing their imports on a case-by-case basis.” (CONTINUED - 131 WORDS)
