Support The Moscow Times!

U.S. Says Russia-Iran Oil-for-Goods Swap Will Not Go Ahead For Now

WASHINGTON — A top U.S. official said an oil-for-goods swap between Russia and Iran would not go ahead for now after the U.S. raised concerns with both Tehran and Moscow, warning it could be subject to U.S. sanctions.

A Reuters report in January revealed that Iran and Russia were negotiating a $1.5 billion per month oil-for-goods swap that would enable Iran to lift oil exports substantially.

U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Wendy Sherman told a congressional hearing the possibility of a deal was raised at "the highest level" to ensure it did not go ahead.

"My own sense of this is after a fair amount of clarity about this matter that nothing will move forward at this time," Sherman told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday.

"We are very crystal clear that anything like such an agreement between Russia and Iran might have potential sanctionable action and would likely create tremendous risk within the P5+1 which would make coming to a comprehensive agreement all the more difficult if not impossible," she added.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue

Read more