US President Donald Trump this week decided not to renew waivers on Iranian oil imports. Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA
US President Donald Trump this week decided not to renew waivers on Iranian oil imports. Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA

A nuanced but firm approach to Iran



Five months after US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports, Washington's tough measures are paying off. Brian Hook, US special representative for Iran, has announced that the sanctions have already denied the Iranian regime more than $10 billion in oil revenues. And with Mr Trump's decision on Wednesday not to renew waivers for importers of Iranian oil, that figure will continue to grow. From the beginning of May, countries that purchase Iranian oil, such as China, South Korea, Turkey and India, will face punitive action of their own. Before the reimposition of sanctions, Iran was one of the world's leading oil producers, with close to four million barrels per day. However, as one US Senator, Republican Tom Cotton, said this week: "Going forward, the proper amount of oil exports from Iran is zero."

This will further hobble Iran's economy – and with good reason. No country has done more to destabilise the Middle East and meddle in the affairs of its neighbours than Iran. From Lebanon's Hezbollah to the Houthis in Yemen – and a host of militia groups in Iraq and Syria – Tehran has waged a campaign of disruption across the region. The flawed 2015 nuclear deal, brokered by Barack Obama and subsequently ended by Mr Trump, freed up billions of dollars for the regime in Tehran. Far from spending these revenues on services, opportunities and growth for its impoverished people, the Iranian regime funnelled it into its overseas adventures. That is why US sanctions are so important – not to harm the Iranian people but to compel their leaders to change their ways. In the words of Saudi Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al Assaf: "The US's decision is necessary to ensure that Iran halts its destabilising influence across the Middle East." It is encouraging that sanctions are leaving their mark on the Iranian regime. True to form, rather than reconsidering its approach, the Iranian parliament last week passed a bill branding all US military personnel as terrorists.

Mr Trump is sometimes accused of lacking nuance in his policy positions. Not so on Iran. Having designated the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps – the paramilitary group formed following the 1979 Islamic Revolution to defend hardline Iranian clerics – as a terrorist organisation, complete with a stringent sanctions regime, the Trump administration this week granted exemptions to those who deal with it. The designation represents tough action against Tehran’s primary weapon of destabilisation. However, the exemptions will ensure that US allies in Iraq and Lebanon – where the IRGC is most active – will not face the full weight of American penalties. This is a shrewd move, and part of a holistic strategy by the Trump administration to rein in the worst excesses of the Iranian regime. The hope is that Tehran will see the error of its ways and begin to prioritise its people, rather than expensive foreign adventures.

House-hunting

Top 10 locations for inquiries from US house hunters, according to Rightmove

  1. Edinburgh, Scotland 
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg

Rating: 4/5

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Dubai World Cup Carnival card:

6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410 metres

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) $100,000 1,400m

7.40pm: Handicap (T) $145,000 1,000m

8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) $200,000 1,200m

8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) $200,000 1,800m

9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 1,400m

Fighter profiles

Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)

Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.

Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)

Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.

Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)

Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.

Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)

One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.

Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)

Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.

Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)

Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.

 

The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888