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الوسم: sanctions

  • US Sanctions Target Maduro’s Family & Close Associates

    US Sanctions Target Maduro’s Family & Close Associates

    The US has imposed new sanctions targeting family members and associates of Nicolas Maduro, as part of an increased effort to pressure the Venezuelan leader. The Treasury Department announced that it has sanctioned seven individuals connected to Maduro and his wife, accusing them of supporting Maduro’s dictatorship and his alleged narcotics operations. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the administration is determined to prevent Venezuela from flooding the US with illegal drugs and warned that Maduro’s regime jeopardizes regional peace and stability.

    Maduro’s government has denied any involvement in crime and asserts that the US aims to overthrow him in order to control Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves. Over the past few months, the Trump administration has intensified its stance, expanding military presence in the Caribbean, launching maritime interdictions against suspected drug ships, seizing an oil tanker under sanctions, and declaring a “blockade” on Venezuelan oil exports. There are also ongoing threats of imminent land-based strikes.

    Among those sanctioned on Friday is Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, Maduro’s nephew, who was implicated in corruption at state oil company PDVSA. His mother, brother, wife, and daughter also received sanctions. This action follows last week’s designation of Malpica Flores himself.

    In addition, the Treasury extended a license protecting Citgo Petroleum, a Venezuela-owned refiner based in Houston, from creditor claims through February 3. This renewal is shorter than the previous six-month extension issued in June. Despite legal challenges including a court auction, the US continues to shield Citgo from creditors, pending further court approvals for a sale of its parent company’s shares to an investment firm to satisfy Venezuela’s debts. This process is part of a broader two-year effort to resolve outstanding debt and expropriations associated with Venezuela’s financial obligations.

  • UK, EU sanction Canadian-Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani over Russia links

    UK, EU sanction Canadian-Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani over Russia links

    The European Union and the United Kingdom have targeted Pakistani oil trader Murtaza Ali Lakhani with sanctions over allegations that he aided Moscow in bypassing Western restrictions on crude oil exports, which are a key source of funding for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

    The UK has accused 63-year-old Lakhani, a Canadian-Pakistani businessman, of financially benefiting from and supporting the Russian government by directly or indirectly controlling multiple companies involved in Russia’s energy sector, including Tejarinaft, Fossil Trading, and the Dubai-based Amur II.

    Lakhani, who previously donated to the Tory party, is the most high-profile oil trader to face Western sanctions since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These sanctions are part of broader efforts by the UK and EU to pressure the Kremlin, amid U.S. initiatives to push for peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.

    Known as a shrewd operator in difficult markets and long based in London, Lakhani has established a strong presence with influential connections in British political circles. He has now been sanctioned separately by the EU as well. The latest EU measures bar its citizens from doing business with the sanctioned entities and individuals, which hampers access to shipping and insurance services. The EU has blocked over 2,600 entities and individuals from conducting business.

    According to the EU’s official records, Lakhani, CEO of the trading firm Mercantile and Maritime, facilitates the shipment and export of Russian oil, specifically from state-owned giant Rosneft. It also states that he controls vessels transporting crude oil or petroleum products originating from or exported out of Russia.

    The UK has sanctioned his three companies, along with Mercantile & Maritime Group registered in the UAE with offices in London, Dubai, and Singapore. Lakhani, an alumnus of London education institutions, built M&M into a significant international oil trading entity, assembling a board that includes notable figures like a former British Army chief.

    Records show Lakhani owns and remains a director of Mercantile & Maritime UK Limited, established in 2015. This UK subsidiary notably donated £500,000 to the Conservative Party during Boris Johnson’s 2019 campaign. Despite these sanctions, M&M UK itself has not been included on the list.

    Recent reporting from the Financial Times indicates that since 2022, Lakhani has been associated with three companies in the UAE involved in supplying Russian oil, including Tejarinaft FZCO, which was renamed Nexus Oil Trading last year. His legal representatives claim he does not own or control these companies but has only provided occasional advice and support.

    UK officials argue that sanctions are effectively reducing Russia’s revenue from oil exports, which has declined sharply since October, when the UK and US sanctioned Russia’s two largest oil corporations. Oil income has fallen over 25% in the past year, reaching its lowest level since the invasion began. Sanctions Minister Stephen Doughty emphasized that these measures aim to tighten economic pressure on Russia and push for negotiations.

    Lakhani’s attorneys responded to the sanctions, asserting he denies owning or controlling any vessels that violate restrictions and is pursuing legal options to challenge the measures, claiming they are politically motivated and unfounded.

    Lakhani’s career began at Glencore, where he worked on Iraqi oil exports during Saddam Hussein’s regime. Later, he operated in Kurdistan as an intermediary between the Iraqi Ministry of Oil and international firms, facilitating independent oil sales from the region. During this time, he worked closely with Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin and helped Russia’s energy giant secure deals in Kurdistan, including during major events at the St. Petersburg economic forum.

    Building on these relationships, Lakhani partnered with Vitol to acquire a 5% stake in Vostok Oil, Rosneft’s significant Arctic oil project. He has expressed the view that Russia’s natural resources are indispensable and that efforts to hinder Russia’s resource development are short-sighted, reinforcing his close ties with the country’s energy industry.

  • US lifts sanctions on Brazil judge accused by Trump

    US lifts sanctions on Brazil judge accused by Trump

    Brazil’s Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes observes as Indigenous people participate in a session where justices discuss the so-called “Marco Temporal” (Temporal Milestone) legal doctrine at the Supreme Court in Brasília on December 10, 2025. — Reuters

    WASHINGTON/BRASILIA: The U.S. government has lifted sanctions against a Brazilian Supreme Court Justice who was previously targeted for overseeing a criminal case involving an ally of former President Donald Trump, according to the Treasury Department on Friday.

    This swift reversal, less than five months after the initial sanctions and amid a process of reducing hefty tariffs on Brazilian exports, exemplifies the warming relationship between Trump and Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, shifting away from earlier staunch support for Trump’s right-wing predecessor.

    In July, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Justice Alexandre de Moraes under the Global Magnitsky Act, criticizing him for presiding over the trial that led to the conviction and imprisonment of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro for attempting a coup following his defeat in the 2022 election.

    Trump labeled that trial a “witch hunt,” and the Trump administration accused Moraes of manipulating courts, authorizing unwarranted pre-trial detentions, and curbing free speech.

    On Friday, the Treasury also lifted sanctions against Moraes’ wife, Viviane Barci, along with those on the Lex Institute, a financial organization managed by Barci and other family members. The sanctions had contributed to diplomatic tensions earlier this year, especially when Trump imposed substantial tariffs on various Brazilian goods, some of which he started to remove last month.

    Lula welcomed the development, stating that he had advocated for the sanctions to be lifted during a call with Trump last week.

    “In my conversation with Trump last week, he asked, ‘Is this good for you?’ I responded that it’s good for Brazil and for Brazilian democracy,” Lula said during an event in São Paulo.

    At the same event, Moraes described the Treasury’s decision as a “triple win” for Brazil’s democracy, justice system, and sovereignty.

    “I cannot thank President Lula enough for his efforts on my behalf and for my wife’s,” Moraes added.

    Last week, Trump and Lula discussed sanctions during what the U.S. President described as a “great” phone call, signaling the start of a “newly formed partnership” after months of tension.

    A source within Brazil’s presidency, speaking anonymously to Reuters, clarified that Brazil made no concessions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

    “There was no quid pro quo,” the source confirmed.

    Support by Washington for legislation to shorten sentences

    Recent days saw Brazilian lawmakers approve a bill significantly reducing sentences for Bolsonaro and others convicted of anti-democratic actions following the 2022 elections.

    The Trump administration expressed support for the legislation, which now awaits Senate approval and likely faces opposition from Lula and the Supreme Court.

    “The United States views the passage of this important amnesty bill by Brazil’s lower house as a positive step indicating improvements in the rule of law,” a senior U.S. official said on Friday, adding that continued sanctions on Moraes are misaligned with U.S. foreign policy interests.

    Flavio Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro’s eldest son who announced a presidential bid last week with his father’s endorsement, welcomed the U.S. move as a “big gesture” aimed at the Brazilian right. He indicated that the Senate should pass the bill, which could halt his father’s imprisonment.

    “We’ll vote on the amnesty bill next week in the Senate, and if it passes, I’m confident that the U.S. will fully lift tariffs on Brazilian exports,” Flavio wrote on X, referencing existing tariffs.

    U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau supported the legislation’s passage, calling it a “positive first step” toward addressing judicial overreach.

    Supporters of sanctions relief, notably Eduardo Bolsonaro, brother of Flavio and younger son of Bolsonaro, voiced regret over the U.S. decision to remove sanctions, citing political divisions within Brazil.

    “The lack of internal unity and insufficient domestic support for initiatives abroad have contributed to the worsening of the current situation,” Eduardo stated.

  • Canada Removes Syria Sanctions After US Action

    Canada Removes Syria Sanctions After US Action

    Canada announced the removal of Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and lifted the designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) as a terrorist organization, aligning with recent international decisions that favor easing sanctions on Damascus.

    These actions follow a shift in control, after HTS ousted the previous Syrian government leader Bashar al-Assad last December and assumed authority over the country.

    In a statement, Canada’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that these decisions were made after careful consideration. They explained that the moves are consistent with the policies of allies such as the UK and the US, and reflect the efforts of the Syrian transitional government to promote stability within the nation.

    Canada designated Syria as a state supporter of terrorism in 2012, in response to Assad’s violent suppression of pro-democracy protests, which ignited a civil war. Al-Tahrir al-Sham, previously sanctioned for its links to al-Qaeda, has been delisted by some Western countries to facilitate cooperation with the new Syrian administration and its president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

    Since coming to power, Syria’s new leadership has sought to distance itself from its violent past by projecting a more moderate image both domestically and internationally.

    While the government has eased some sanctions, Canada continues to maintain measures against 56 individuals, including former officials from the Assad regime and members of the Assad family, according to the foreign ministry.

  • Australia imposes sanctions and travel bans on Afghan Taliban officials

    Australia imposes sanctions and travel bans on Afghan Taliban officials

    Australia has implemented financial sanctions and travel bans targeting four officials within Afghanistan’s Taliban government, citing worsening human rights abuses—particularly against women and girls. Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that these officials are responsible for suppressing women’s rights and undermining governance and the rule of law in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

    The sanctions focus on three Taliban ministers and the group’s chief justice, accusing them of limiting access for women and girls to education, employment, freedom of movement, and participation in public life. These measures are part of a new framework that allows Australia to impose targeted sanctions and travel restrictions directly, aiming to increase pressure on the Taliban and address the oppression faced by the Afghan population.

    Australia previously evacuated thousands of Afghans—mainly women and children—after the Taliban retook control of their country. Since the Taliban’s return to power, the environment for women’s rights has significantly deteriorated, with bans on education and work, despite Taliban claims of respecting women’s rights within their interpretation of religious law. Currently, much of Afghanistan’s population depends heavily on humanitarian aid for survival.

  • Trump Starts Process to Designate Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Terrorist

    Trump Starts Process to Designate Muslim Brotherhood Chapters as Terrorist

    On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump initiated steps to classify certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist organizations and globally designated terrorists. This move aims to impose sanctions on one of the Middle East’s most longstanding and influential groups. Trump issued an executive order instructing Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to compile a report within 45 days, assessing whether to label chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as terrorist entities.

    The administration alleges that factions of the Muslim Brotherhood in these countries have supported or incited violent attacks against Israel and U.S. allies, or have provided material support to Hamas. According to a White House fact sheet, “President Trump is confronting the Muslim Brotherhood’s transnational network, which fuels terrorism and destabilization efforts against U.S. interests and regional allies.”

    Support for declaring the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group has been a long-standing position among Republicans and right-wing voices. During his first term, Trump attempted a similar effort, and months into his second term, Senator Rubio indicated that the current administration was working towards a designation. Last week, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, also a Republican, officially declared the group a terrorist organization at the state level.

    Founded in Egypt in the 1920s, the Muslim Brotherhood started as a religious-political movement aimed at countering secular and nationalist influences. It rapidly expanded across various Muslim countries, becoming a significant but often clandestine force.

  • India Gets 6-Month US Waiver to Operate Chabahar Port

    India Gets 6-Month US Waiver to Operate Chabahar Port

    India announces that the US has granted a six-month waiver from sanctions for operating Iran’s Chabahar Port, a move that supports New Delhi’s efforts to strengthen trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian nations, sidestepping Pakistan. Last year, India committed to a decade-long partnership with Iran to develop and manage the port. This month, India furthered its relations with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan by reopening its embassy in Kabul, which had been closed since the Taliban took over in 2021 after NATO forces withdrew.

    The port, located on Iran’s southeastern Gulf of Oman coast, was initially envisioned with a rail connection to Afghanistan, intended to bolster the landlocked country’s economy through trade and lessen its reliance on the Pakistani port of Karachi. The recent waiver follows US President Donald Trump’s indication that he is interested in negotiating a trade agreement with India, signaling a potential thaw from the tense relations that reached their lowest point after Trump doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50% as punishment for India’s Russian oil purchases.

    Following US sanctions on Moscow’s leading crude exporters, Rosneft and Lukoil, Indian refiners are reducing their Russian oil imports. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed, “We have received a six-month exemption for the port,” and added that India remains engaged in trade negotiations with the Trump administration.

    The US had previously revoked the original sanctions waiver for Chabahar, granted in 2018, aiming to apply “maximum pressure” on Iran due to its nuclear and missile programs. An Indian official, speaking anonymously, said the waiver took effect Wednesday. The US embassy in New Delhi did not immediately comment.

  • Indian refineries halt Russian oil imports, seek clarity—sources

    Indian refineries halt Russian oil imports, seek clarity—sources

    Indian refiners have not submitted new orders for Russian oil since sanctions were implemented, as they seek clarity from the government and suppliers. Some refiners are turning to spot markets to fulfill their crude oil needs, according to sources who requested anonymity because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly.

    Indian Oil Corporation has issued a tender for oil purchases, and Reliance Industries has increased its spot market purchases, the sources added. The European Union, the UK, and the US have imposed various sanctions on Russia over its military actions in Ukraine, including recent US sanctions targeting Russia’s leading oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft.

    Refiners in India are expected to significantly reduce Russian oil imports to comply with the new US sanctions, which could facilitate a smoother trade relationship with the US. Last week, Reliance, India’s largest buyer of Russian oil, stated it would comply with sanctions while maintaining existing supplier relationships. Reports also indicate Reliance plans to halt imports from Rosneft.

    One source mentioned, “We haven’t ordered new cargoes yet and have canceled some booked through traders linked to sanctioned entities.” Another added, “We need to make sure our purchases aren’t connected to sanctioned parties since banks won’t process payments.” A third source said their company is waiting to see if it can source shipments from non-sanctioned traders or entities.

    In the first nine months of 2025, India imported 1.9 million barrels of Russian oil daily, accounting for about 40% of Russia’s total exports, according to the International Energy Agency. Between April and September, India’s Russian oil imports decreased by 8.4% year-over-year, driven by narrower discounts and tighter supplies, prompting refiners to source more from the Middle East and the US, based on trade data and shipping reports.

  • US Considers New Russia Sanctions, Calls on Europe to Increase Ukraine Pressure

    US Considers New Russia Sanctions, Calls on Europe to Increase Ukraine Pressure

    US President Donald Trump’s administration is considering additional economic sanctions against Russia, targeting vital sectors of its economy if Vladimir Putin continues to delay ending the conflict in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the matter. These potential measures could include increased restrictions on banking and energy industries, as well as sanctions on infrastructure involved in oil transportation.

    US officials have also communicated with their European counterparts to express support for utilizing frozen Russian assets to purchase US weapons for Ukraine. There are internal discussions about leveraging Russian assets held within the US to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts. Though no concrete actions are imminent, this suggests the administration has a comprehensive set of tools ready for escalation after the previous sanctions imposed last Wednesday—the first since Trump’s return to office in January.

    While Trump portrays himself as a global peacemaker, he’s acknowledged that resolving Russia’s ongoing three-year-plus war in Ukraine is more complex than anticipated. His failed diplomacy in Alaska with Putin in August, and recent statements that he won’t meet Putin unless significant progress toward peace is made, reflect a cautious approach.

    European allies, fluctuating in their responses to Trump’s diplomacy, hope he will continue exerting pressure on Moscow. An unnamed US official indicated a preference for European nations to take the next significant step, perhaps through additional sanctions or tariffs. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to pause for a few weeks to assess Russia’s reaction to the latest sanctions.

    The recent sanctions targeted major Russian oil companies like Lukoil and Rosneft, causing oil prices to rise by over $2 a barrel and prompting China and India—key buyers of Russian crude—to seek alternatives. Trump indicated that discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping might include Russian oil purchases, though China is reportedly reducing its Russian crude imports significantly, and India is halting altogether.

    Some of the new sanctions under consideration also aim at Russia’s banking system and the infrastructure supporting oil exports, according to sources. Ukraine has proposed additional measures, such as disconnecting Russian banks from the US dollar system, but US officials have not confirmed whether these requests are being seriously considered.

    Congressional efforts to pass a bipartisan sanctions package are ongoing, with some senators pushing for its approval. A senior administration source stated Trump is open to endorsing the bill eventually, though it’s unlikely to happen within the current month. The Treasury Department did not comment on these developments.

    Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin’s economic envoy Kirill Dmitriev, believe that Russia, Ukraine, and the US are close to a diplomatic solution to end the fighting. Ukrainian spokesperson Halyna Yusypiuk expressed appreciation for the recent sanctions but declined to comment further, emphasizing that dismantling Russia’s military capabilities remains a key objective.

    The week was marked by a series of diplomatic shifts and conflicting signals. Trump initially planned a meeting with Putin in Budapest after speaking with him last week but then canceled it, citing discomfort. Conversely, he met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington to discuss ending the war, where Zelensky resisted suggestions to cede territory in exchange for peace.

    Russia subsequently sent a diplomatic note reaffirming its peace proposals. Despite Trump’s assertion that his meeting with Putin was canceled, Russian officials indicated that the leaders still intend to meet later. Political insiders suggest Trump’s decision to impose sanctions was influenced by a mixture of diplomatic misjudgment and strategic calculation, with the White House ultimately moving forward with the measures after a Wednesday meeting with key officials.

  • Dmitriev: US, Ukraine, Russia Near Deal to End War

    Dmitriev: US, Ukraine, Russia Near Deal to End War

    Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund and a special envoy for investment and economic cooperation under President Vladimir Putin, arrived in Washington on Friday to hold discussions with U.S. officials. During his visit, Dmitriev expressed optimism that Russia, the United States, and Ukraine are nearing a diplomatic resolution to cease the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

    In an interview with CNN following his arrival, Dmitriev stated that the previously scheduled meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin had not been canceled, contradicting recent reports, and indicated that a meeting between the two leaders is likely to happen in the future. The summit was temporarily postponed last Tuesday after Russia rejected an immediate ceasefire, complicating diplomatic efforts. Trump had cited slow progress and an unfavorable timing as reasons for calling off the meeting in Budapest.

    Dmitriev, however, maintained a more hopeful outlook, asserting, “I believe Russia, the U.S., and Ukraine are actually quite close to finding a diplomatic solution.” He did not, however, provide specifics on what such an agreement might include.

    European countries are collaborating with Ukraine on a new ceasefire proposal based on current frontlines, including ideas already under discussion, with the United States playing a central role in these negotiations. Dmitriev noted that Ukrainian President Zelensky had acknowledged the importance of the current battle lines, a shift from his previous stance that Russia should withdraw completely, which suggests that a diplomatic resolution may not be far off.

    Russia launched its large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Previously, Trump announced plans for a quick meeting in Hungary with Putin to help end the war. However, Russia has remained unwilling to make concessions, demanding Ukraine cede more territory before any truces are considered.

    Dmitriev’s visit occurs amidst new U.S. sanctions targeting two major Russian oil companies, aimed at pressuring Putin to bring the conflict to an end. Despite these sanctions, Dmitriev reiterated that dialogue between the two nations would persist, emphasizing the need for Russia’s interests to be respected.

    He declined to specify whom he was meeting with but predicted that the sanctions would have a negative impact on gasoline prices in the U.S. Axios reported he would meet with Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Miami on Saturday. Dmitriev also mentioned plans to meet with other individuals, though their identities were not disclosed.

  • Chinese Oil Giants Halt Russian Oil Purchases Amid Sanctions

    Chinese Oil Giants Halt Russian Oil Purchases Amid Sanctions

    Chinese state-owned oil giants have stopped purchasing Russian crude shipped by sea following the U.S. sanctions targeting Moscow’s two largest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, according to several trade sources on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, India, the biggest importer of Russian seaborne oil, is expected to significantly reduce its crude imports from Russia to align with U.S. sanctions related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    This decline in demand from Moscow’s primary customers is likely to hurt Russia’s oil revenue and compel other major importers to seek alternative sources, potentially driving up global oil prices.

    The major Chinese oil companies—PetroChina, Sinopec, CNOOC, and Zhenhua Oil—are reportedly abstaining from dealing in Russian seaborne crude for the foreseeable future due to fears of sanctions. These companies did not immediately comment.

    Although China imports about 1.4 million barrels of Russian oil daily by sea, most of this is purchased by independent refiners, including small-scale operators known as teapots. Estimates on how much state giants buy vary widely—the analytics firm Vortexa estimates their purchases at under 250,000 barrels per day in the first nine months of 2025, while Energy Aspects suggests it’s around 500,000 barrels per day.

    Unipec, Sinopec’s trading arm, halted Russian oil imports last week after the UK designated Rosneft, Lukoil, and associated shadow fleet ships and Chinese entities—such as a major Chinese refiner—as targets.

    Most Russian oil sales to China are made through intermediaries instead of direct deals, traders say. Meanwhile, independent refiners might pause their Russian purchases to evaluate the impact of sanctions but are still likely to seek ways to continue sourcing Russian crude.

    Leading up to the sanctions announcement on Wednesday, premiums for November-loaded ESPO crude dropped to about $1 per barrel over ICE Brent, down from early October levels around a $1.70 premium.

    China also imports roughly 900,000 barrels per day of Russian oil via pipeline, primarily to PetroChina, which several traders consider unlikely to be significantly impacted by the sanctions.

    India and China are expected to rely on alternative suppliers from the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, which could lead to higher prices for non-sanctioned oil.

  • US imposes sanctions on Russian oil giants, EU bans LNG imports

    US imposes sanctions on Russian oil giants, EU bans LNG imports

    Here is the rewritten, human-like, unique, and plagiarism-free version of the content in American English:

    A display shows a signboard with the logo of Russia’s major oil company, Rosneft, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on June 5, 2024. — Reuters

    • The first sanctions related to Ukraine targeting Russia during Trump’s second term.
    • Bessent urges allies to join the U.S. in imposing sanctions on Russia.
    • Trump expresses hope that these sanctions won’t be necessary for a long period.

    WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS: On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sanctions against Russia connected to Ukraine for the first time in his second term, specifically targeting oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft amid increasing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the ongoing conflict.

    This decision followed the European Union’s approval of its 19th set of sanctions against Moscow, which includes a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports. It also comes after Britain sanctioned Rosneft and Lukoil last week.

    The U.S. Treasury Department indicated readiness to take additional measures and called on Moscow to agree immediately to a ceasefire in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since February 2022.

    “Due to President Putin’s refusal to end this pointless war, the Treasury Department is sanctioning Russia’s two largest oil companies that fund the Kremlin’s military efforts,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated. “We encourage our allies to join us and enforce these sanctions.”

    Following these measures, oil prices surged over $2 per barrel, with Brent crude futures rising after settlement to approximately $64.

    These sanctions mark a significant shift in U.S. policy, as President Trump had previously avoided sanctioning Russia over its war, relying instead on trade measures. Earlier this year, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods in response to their purchase of discounted Russian oil.

    The U.S. has not placed tariffs on China, another key importer of Russian oil. A price cap of $60 on Russian oil, introduced by Western countries after Russia’s invasion, has shifted Russia’s primary markets from Europe to Asia.

    In a brief statement from the Oval Office, Trump said he canceled a planned summit with Putin in Hungary because it didn’t seem like the right moment.

    He also mentioned hope that the sanctions on Russian oil companies won’t need to stay in place for an extended period. Last year, Trump expressed a preference for swiftly removing sanctions to prevent risks to the dollar’s dominance in global trade. Russia has often requested to be paid for oil in other currencies.

    “It Can’t Be a One-Time Deal”

    Experts view these actions as a crucial and long-overdue step.

    “This cannot be just a one-and-done,” stated Edward Fishman, a former U.S. official now serving as a senior research scholar at Columbia University. He emphasized the importance of whether the U.S. will now threaten sanctions against anyone doing business with Rosneft and Lukoil.

    Jeremy Paner, a former sanctions investigator at the Treasury Department and currently a partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed law firm, pointed out that the lack of involvement from banks or Indian and Chinese oil buyers in Wednesday’s sanctions means they might not significantly impact Putin.

    However, a senior Ukrainian official welcomed the move, calling it “excellent news,” and noted that Kyiv had previously proposed targeting these two Russian energy firms with sanctions.

    The Treasury also targeted several subsidiaries of Rosneft and Lukoil. These measures block U.S. assets owned by those companies and prevent Americans from engaging in business with them.

    The Russian embassy in Washington and Russia’s mission at the United Nations in New York have yet to comment on these sanctions.

    EU’s New Measures Target Russia’s Shadow Fleet

    The European Union’s ban on Russian LNG will be implemented in two phases: short-term contracts will be phased out after six months, and long-term contracts will end by January 1, 2027. This timeline arrives a year earlier than the EU’s original plan to reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels.

    The latest EU package also introduces new travel restrictions on Russian diplomats and adds 117 vessels, mostly tankers, to its list of Moscow’s shadow fleet, bringing the total to 558. It also includes banks from Kazakhstan and Belarus.

    Sources from the EU have indicated that four entities connected to China’s oil industry will be included in the sanctions list, though official names won’t be revealed until the formal approval process on Thursday. These include two refineries, a trading firm, and an organization involved in circumventing sanctions.

    This version maintains the core facts and details while offering a more natural, engaging tone, tailored for an American English-speaking audience.

  • Iran terminates nuclear agreement with UN watchdog

    Iran terminates nuclear agreement with UN watchdog

    Iran has announced the cancellation of its nuclear monitoring agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to the country’s state media, citing statements from the Supreme National Security Council Secretary on Monday. This move follows the recent reimposition of United Nations sanctions by Western countries last month.

    The decision marks a setback for international efforts to rebuild trust and establish effective monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities. It comes roughly three weeks after Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi threatened to terminate the agreement, which allowed the IAEA to conduct inspections of Iranian nuclear sites, should Western nations reinstate UN sanctions—a move that was implemented last month.

    This development is expected to hinder the IAEA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with Tehran, especially after tensions escalated following Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear installations in June. Ali Larijani, speaking in Tehran during a meeting with his Iraqi counterpart, confirmed that the nuclear agreement has been canceled. However, he suggested that if the agency presents new proposals, Iran might reconsider, stating, “We will review it in the secretariat.”

  • EU commits to phasing out Russian gas by January 2028

    EU commits to phasing out Russian gas by January 2028

    Participants deliver speeches in front of a display booth of Novatek, Russia’s liquefied natural gas company, at the Russian Energy Week international forum in Moscow on October 15, 2025.

    – The EU aims to cut off Russia’s revenue to finance its conflict in Ukraine.
    – Russia currently supplies about 12% of the EU’s gas imports.
    – The proposal includes flexible provisions for landlocked member countries.

    On Monday, EU energy ministers approved a plan to eliminate Russian oil and gas imports by January 2028, according to the European Union Council. The agreement entails ending new Russian gas contracts starting in January 2026, phasing out existing short-term contracts from June 2026, and ceasing long-term contracts by January 2028, during discussions in Luxembourg.

    The legislation is still in draft form. EU member states will negotiate the final details with the European Parliament, which is reviewing its stance.

    The measure is driven by the desire to deprive Russia’s government of funds used to support its war in Ukraine. Russia currently provides roughly 12% of gas imported by the EU, a significant decrease from 45% before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Countries like Hungary, France, and Belgium still receive Russian gas.

    The European Commission designed the legislation to pass despite opposition from Hungary and Slovakia, which still import Russian oil. To succeed, the proposal requires support from at least 55% of EU countries—enough to prevent a veto by one or two nations. The approved text grants specific flexibilities for landlocked countries such as Hungary and Slovakia.

    Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico defended his country’s resistance to the energy import phaseout and sanctions, which require unanimous EU approval. Slovakia previously delayed approval of the latest sanctions package over demands related to ending Russian energy imports.

    Meanwhile, the EU is negotiating a new sanctions package that would ban LNG imports a year earlier, effective January 2027. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas indicated that this new sanctions proposal could gain approval within the week.

  • Iran states it’s no longer bound by nuclear restrictions

    Iran states it’s no longer bound by nuclear restrictions

    Iran announced on Saturday that it is no longer subject to restrictions on its nuclear program as the 10-year agreement with global powers concluded. Tehran reaffirmed its dedication to diplomacy. The 2015 nuclear deal—signed in Vienna by Iran, China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and the US—involved lifting international sanctions against Iran in exchange for limits on its nuclear activities.

    However, the pact was already fractured after the U.S. unilaterally exited during President Donald Trump’s first term, leading Iran to relax some of its commitments. The reintroduction of UN sanctions last month, prompted by three European signatories, effectively nullified the agreement.

    Iran’s foreign ministry stated that, from now on, “all provisions of the deal, including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities and related mechanisms, are considered terminated.” Despite this, Iran emphasized its “strong stance on diplomacy.” Western nations have long accused Iran of covertly pursuing nuclear weapons—a claim Iran has repeatedly denied, insisting its nuclear program is solely for civilian uses like energy production.

    The agreement’s “termination date” was set for October 18, 2025, exactly ten years after the resolution 2231 of the UN Security Council ratified it. Under the deal, Iran’s uranium enrichment was capped at 3.67%, and the country’s nuclear activities were to be strictly monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    Since the U.S. withdrew in 2018 and reinstated sanctions, Iran has increased its nuclear activities. Data from the IAEA indicates that Iran is the only non-nuclear-weapon country enriching uranium up to 60%, close to the 90% level needed for weapons, and far above civilian enrichment needs.

    In July, Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after conflicts with Israel, citing the agency’s failure to condemn strikes on Iranian nuclear sites by the U.S. and Israel. The conflict during a 12-day war disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

    In late September, under the initiative of France, Britain, and Germany, the UN reimposed broad sanctions on Iran for the first time in a decade. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted in an official UN letter that the expiration of the 2015 deal makes previous sanctions “null and void.”

    The UK, France, and Germany accuse Iran of not fully cooperating with the IAEA and want Iran to return to negotiations with the U.S. Tehran blames the European signatories for undermining efforts to revive the deal, citing actions that have “sabotaged” progress on resumed cooperation.

  • Iran declares cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog ‘no longer relevant’

    Iran declares cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog ‘no longer relevant’

    Iran’s chief diplomat stated on Sunday that collaboration with the UN nuclear agency is now outdated following the re-imposition of international sanctions on the country. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked, “The Cairo agreement no longer holds relevance for our cooperation with the IAEA,” referencing a September agreement with the agency.

    This agreement aimed to establish a framework for resumed cooperation and allow inspections of Iranian sites after Tehran halted cooperation in response to Israeli and US strikes on its critical nuclear facilities in June. However, it lost significance for Iran when Britain, France, and Germany—part of the original signatories to the 2015 nuclear deal—triggered the reactivation of UN sanctions due to Tehran’s alleged non-compliance.

    Iran had warned that it would cease cooperating with the IAEA if sanctions were reinstated. Araghchi explained during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Tehran, “The three European nations believed they had leverage in their hands, threatening to implement a snapback. Now that they’ve used that leverage and seen the outcome, their influence has diminished significantly—and they have almost lost any justification for negotiations.”

    He further stated that these European countries “will play a much smaller role in future diplomatic efforts regarding Iran’s nuclear program.” Iran has accused the IAEA of failing to condemn attacks by its enemies on nuclear sites, despite Iran being a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Western nations, led by the U.S. and supported by Israel, continue to assert that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons and consider uranium enrichment a red line.

    Iran firmly denies these claims, maintaining its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only and asserting its right to enrichment under the NPT. Some Iranian lawmakers have suggested leaving the NPT altogether, though President Masoud Pezeshkian has affirmed Iran’s commitment to its treaty obligations.

    Araghchi noted that Tehran will soon announce its decision regarding cooperation with the IAEA, without giving specifics, emphasizing that diplomatic avenues remain open. Since April, Iran has been in discussions with the US aiming to reach a new agreement on its nuclear program. However, talks have been halted since June due to Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and residential sites. Iran has accused the US of sabotaging diplomacy and has demanded guarantees and formal recognition of its rights before resuming negotiations.

  • Iran Condemns ‘Unjust’ Reimposition of UN Sanctions

    Iran Condemns ‘Unjust’ Reimposition of UN Sanctions

    On Sunday, Iran condemned the reimposition of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program as “unjustifiable,” following failed talks with Western powers and Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear installations. The sanctions, which restrict dealings related to Iran’s nuclear and missile activities, were reinstated overnight after Western nations triggered the “snapback” mechanism under the 2015 nuclear deal.

    The Iranian foreign ministry issued a statement deeming the reactivation of previously annulled resolutions as “legally unfounded and unjustifiable,” emphasizing that all countries should avoid recognizing this “illegal situation.” They affirmed Iran’s commitment to defending its national rights and interests, warning that any actions undermining its sovereignty would be met with a strong response.

    This move marks the conclusion of several months of tense diplomacy aimed at renewing nuclear negotiations, which have been stalled since June after Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites. Despite the sanctions’ reimposition, Western officials underscored that dialogue channels remain open.

    European Union’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, stated that the sanctions should not be viewed as the end of diplomatic efforts. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Iran to accept “direct, good-faith negotiations” and urged UN member states to implement sanctions swiftly to pressure Iran’s government for better outcomes for their nation and global safety.

    Foreign ministers from Britain, France, and Germany expressed a shared desire to pursue a diplomatic solution to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian dismissed the possibility of negotiations that would introduce “new problems,” asserting Iran’s readiness to face any situation by standing firm, relying on the strength of its people, and moving forward with dignity.

    Although Iran had allowed UN inspectors access to its nuclear sites, Pezeshkian criticized a US proposal requiring Iran to give up its entire stockpile of enriched uranium—calling it unacceptable. An effort by Russia and China to delay sanctions until April failed in the Security Council, leading to their implementation early Sunday morning Tehran time. Germany, officially triggering the sanctions alongside Britain and France, stated it had “no choice” because Iran was not fulfilling its commitments, underscoring the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons while maintaining openness to negotiations.

    Reactions within Iran’s media landscape varied: conservative outlets like Kayhan argued sanctions would have been imposed regardless of negotiations, while reformist papers like Ham Mihan questioned whether Russia and China would maintain their support. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed Moscow’s stance that it would not enforce the sanctions.

    The measures are the “snapback” of sanctions frozen since 2015, when Iran agreed to limits on its nuclear program under a deal negotiated by former President Barack Obama. The US had already imposed extensive sanctions after President Trump withdrew in his first term. This year, Iran and the US engaged in several rounds of talks brokered by Oman, but these collapsed following Israeli and US strikes.

    On the economic front, Iranians expressed concern that the sanctions would deepen economic hardships. An engineer, requesting anonymity, remarked that the country’s already difficult economic situation would worsen, citing rising exchange rates and higher prices. The Iranian rial hit a record low, trading at approximately 1.12 million to the US dollar on the black market, according to currency tracking sources.