Sanctions against Iran

The US Senate approved on Friday its defense budget for 2021 that, among other provisions, paves the way for the imposition of sanctions on Turkey over the supply of Russian S-400 missile systems.

The bill provides for the obligation to impose sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in Turkey within a specific timeframe.

In contrast, the EU issued a mild warning of possible sanctions on Turkey during its Summit

US sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems would backfire and hurt ties between the two NATO members, a senior Turkish official said on Thursday.

"Sanctions would not achieve a result but be counter-productive. They would harm relations," the official said after four sources said Washington was poised to impose sanctions.

The image of the US Capitol reflected in glass windows in Washington, 8 December 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

The head of Greek diplomacy attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council to talk about possible sanctions against Turkey

International pressure on Ankara aimed at containing its expansive foreign policy was further intensified this week with the US defense budget bill for 2021, which foresees sanctions against Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missiles. 

Iran has moved to stop UN inspections of its nuclear sites and step up uranium enrichment under a new law approved by its parliament.

 The bill would require the government to resume enriching uranium to 20% - well above the 3.67% agreed under a 2015 nuclear deal - if crippling sanctions are not eased in two months.

Iran's parliament on Dec. 1 approved a bill that would suspend U.N. inspections of its nuclear facilities and require the government to boost its uranium enrichment if European signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal do not provide relief from oil and banking sanctions.

The United Nations Security Council overwhelmingly rejected a U.S. resolution to extend an Iranian arms embargo on Aug. 14, in a move with huge repercussions for the Iran nuclear deal.

Only two of the Council's 15 members voted in favor, highlighting the division between Washington and its European allies since President Donald Trump withdrew from the nuclear accord in May 2018.

The Trump administration has seized the cargo of four tankers it was targeting for transporting Iranian fuel to Venezuela, U.S. officials said on Aug. 13, as it steps up its campaign of maximum pressure against the two heavily sanctioned allies.