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Trump mustn’t let allies help Iran evade sanctions

By David Ibsen
Published February 9, 2019 5:00am ET
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Trump mustn’t let allies help Iran evade sanctions
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani gives a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. Rouhani called Western sanctions an "invasion" on Saturday after Washington imposed existing sanctions on more than 25 businesses, banks and individuals suspected of working to expand Iran's nuclear program, support terrorism and help Iran evade U.S. and international sanctions. Iran's state TV also said the move violated an interim agreement reached with world powers under which Western nations agreed to ease sanctions in exchange for Iran curbing its nuclear activities. However, Friday's action did not constitute an expansion of the sanctions regime. | (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)

When President Trump stood in the Rose Garden last May to announce the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, he put 180 days on the clock for businesses worldwide to sever their ties with Tehran or else lose access to U.S. markets.

The rush for the exits began immediately, despite the efforts of politicians, particularly those in the European Union. They were unable to stop European businesses fleeing Iran despite any number of grand schemes and proclamations.

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Tag:

European Union Iran Nuclear Deal Nuclear Weapons