Top of the Agenda: U.S. and Russia Negotiate Iran Sanctions
The United States and Russia began negotiating support (WashPost) for new sanctions on Iran as part of the Obama administration's push for a UN Security Council resolution. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev privately said Russia's support had limits, though the two countries pledged to support imposing sanctions as soon as this spring. Within the UN's fifteen-member council, the United States also faces pushback from China, Brazil, and Turkey. Medvedev objected to sanctions--such as embargoing oil deliveries--that would punish Iran's people economically, financially, or by spurring regime change. Top White House officials said sanctions on Iran's energy sector were "not off the table."
Russia has significant energy interests (WSJ) in Tehran. Medvedev's cooperation would help persuade Chinese President Hu Jintao, who will meet with Obama in Washington Monday.
Analysis:
On RealClearWorld.com, Jamsheed Choksy and Carol E.B. Choksy say fiscal and trade sanctions are often skirted through third parties in multiple countries that are difficult to monitor or regulate. As a result, Iran boasts that despite sanctions, its trade with the United States totaled $385 million last year.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard will likely be the target of UN Security Council sanctions that could be ready within weeks, says expert Kenneth Katzman, while Congress focuses on preventing U.S. companies from selling gasoline and refining equipment to Iran.
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