US not even hiding its desire to make the world bend to its will: Russia

Published April 24, 2019
Russia says that “Washington is not even hiding its desire to make the world bend to its will,” branding the heightened Iran sanctions “disturbing”. — AFP/File
Russia says that “Washington is not even hiding its desire to make the world bend to its will,” branding the heightened Iran sanctions “disturbing”. — AFP/File

Russia on Tuesday called the US tightening of oil sanctions on Iran an “aggressive and reckless” policy after Washington announced it was seeking to stop all exports of Iranian crude.

“Such a course of action adds nothing to the Americans' international standing,” the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

“The rest of the world perfectly understands that Washington's policy is becoming more and more aggressive and reckless,” it said.

The ministry said that “Washington is not even hiding its desire to make the world bend to its will,” branding the heightened Iran sanctions “disturbing”.

The United States on Monday announced that, in a bid to reduce Iran's oil exports to zero, it would from May 2 end US waivers that countries such as India, China, South Korea and Turkey currently have on buying Iranian crude.

The move targets the Islamic Republic's main economic earner and adds to sanctions pressure that has built up under US President Donald Trump, who has pulled his country out of a 2015 international deal aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme.

Russia, which is allied with Iran in Syria, praised Tehran's “restraint” over “the arrogant American provocations”.

It called for all parties “with common sense” to do what they can to ensure the accord over Iran's nuclear activities survives.

Trump's decision to do away with the waivers has seen global oil prices rise, along with commercial tensions with China and India.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...