Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.11
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Possible waivers for Iranian sanctions are still in discussion, even that Washington still states that there will be no waivers given at all, Cyril Widdershoven, a Middle East geopolitical specialist and energy analyst, a partner at Dutch risk consultancy VEROCY and SVP MEA-Risk, told Trend.
He believes that most probably several economic sectors will be given the opportunity still, aka non-vital sectors, such as agriculture, medical or transport.
“When looking at energy related projects or oil/gas export or production, there could be a list of companies still in the running. At the same time, possible options for Turkey or European companies still exists, but this will be condoned, not officially be given,” said the expert.
Widdershoven pointed out that at present, no waivers will be given to South Korea, Japan, China or others. “Looking at the ongoing trade war between Beijing and Washington, and the open confrontation on Iran, Trump will not be willing to be flexible.”
The expert said that if a waiver will be given the following issues could be taken into account: strategic position of the latter country/company for US interest (Central Asia, Syria, Iraq); commercial interest of US companies in these countries; potential role of a country in the stability of NATO and US position within an international trade agreement or geopolitical strategic agreement (EU/NATO/NAFTA).
Sanctions are due to be re-imposed on Iran's oil industry on November 4. The move comes after US President Donald Trump decided to withdraw his country from the 2015 nuclear deal in May.
The US has said that countries or companies that conduct transactions with Iran are liable to face secondary sanctions.
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