OFAC Sanctions Iranians Over $100M Illicit Oil Sales Using Crypto► https://t.co/UwehQEEgXt https://t.co/UwehQEEgXt ...

Political and Economic System - Iran operates under a unique theocratic republic, blending religious rule with democratic elements, where the Supreme Leader holds ultimate authority [1][2] - Religious charities (Bonyads) and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) exert significant control over Iran's economy, estimated at 20% and 30%-50% of GDP respectively, operating independently of government oversight and contributing to a complex power structure [4][5] - The Supreme Leader directly controls key institutions, including the judiciary, military, and media, ensuring religious authority's dominance over elected bodies [1] Economic Challenges and Strategies - Heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with oil exports accounting for 90% of government revenue, Iran faces significant economic pressure from international sanctions, particularly targeting its energy sector [4] - To circumvent sanctions, Iran employs a "Ghost Fleet" of aging tankers to secretly transport oil, engaging in ship-to-ship transfers and other deceptive practices [3] - Iran's economy suffers from high inflation, exceeding 30% in recent years, exacerbated by government subsidies, particularly for energy, which accounted for 27% of its GDP in 2022, equivalent to $100 billion [5] Key Industries and Trade - Despite economic challenges, Iran has developed a significant automotive industry, ranking as the 12th largest globally and accounting for 10% of its GDP [5][6] - Iran is a major producer and exporter of high-value agricultural products and handicrafts, including caviar, saffron, pistachios, and carpets [6] - The country's complex multi-exchange rate system, designed to manage inflation and trade, has been prone to corruption and arbitrage, leading to its eventual abandonment [5] International Relations and Sanctions - Iran's foreign policy is driven by its Shiite Islamic ideology, leading to support for regional allies and confrontation with adversaries, particularly the United States and Israel [2] - US sanctions, intensified since 2010 and further tightened after the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, have significantly impacted Iran's GDP and oil exports [3] - The "Twelve Day War" with Israel in June 2025 and subsequent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities have further escalated tensions and economic challenges [6]

The EU will delay formally tabling its latest package of sanctions against Russia, according to a diplomat https://t.co/IcAd9lRDgK ...

He says the relationship between the U.S. and China remains a very strong one. Is that how you see it. I may see a little more, let's say, dynamism in the US-China relationship over strength.But thank you so much for having me. I think it is interesting. I mean, even when we think about how Secretary Bessen described exactly those trade talks, he seemed to say they didn't talk much about trade, that this was mostly about this tick tock framework deal.And even even that alone speaks to, I think, some of the ...

For the second time in less than a week, Russian drones were spotted within NATO airspace. This time in Romania on Saturday. The European Union called it a reckless escalation by the Kremlin, raising tensions and threatening security in Eastern Europe weeks after Vladimir Putin, of course, had his high-profile summit in Alaska with our president.And he was also in Beijing. Joining us now, NBC's Danielle Hamjin and Michael McFall, former US ambassador to Russia and MSNBC international affairs analyst. And Da ...

Fresh US proposals to sanction buyers of Russian energy are putting the EU on the spot: Here's your Evening Briefing https://t.co/v9F15nXjj5 ...

The European Union is weighing sanctions on companies in India and China that are enabling Russia’s oil trade as part of an upcoming package of fresh restrictions, according to people familiar with the matter https://t.co/3dwxDIqcM2 ...

Core Viewpoint - UCO Bank has received government approval to facilitate trade payments for Nayara Energy Ltd., which has faced sanctions from the EU and has been avoided by major financial institutions [1][5]. Group 1: UCO Bank's Role - Senior executives from UCO Bank met with finance ministry officials to discuss leading the execution of payments for Nayara Energy [2]. - Operational details, including currency choice for transactions, are still being finalized [2]. - UCO Bank has previously facilitated oil trades with Iran, making it a suitable candidate for supporting Nayara's trade needs [3]. Group 2: Nayara Energy's Challenges - Nayara Energy has sought government assistance to establish a relationship with a domestic lender to support wire payments for crude oil imports and refined fuel product exports [3]. - Following EU sanctions, Nayara has had to request advance payments or letters of credit before fuel shipments are loaded, leading to reduced operational run rates [4]. - Domestic shipowners have ceased working with Nayara, prompting the company to seek government help in securing vessels for local transportation [4]. Group 3: Impact of Sanctions - Major financial institutions, including the State Bank of India, have stopped processing trade and foreign currency transactions for Nayara Energy due to the sanctions [5]. - Rosneft, which owns over 49% of Nayara, plays a significant role in the company's operations, accounting for nearly 8% of India's refining capacity and 7% of its retail-fuel network [6].

A sanctioned tanker carrying Russian oil has neared an Indian port operated by Adani and will likely be one of the last blacklisted vessels to unload there after a ban took effect https://t.co/COoPIxX74R ...

A sanctioned tanker carrying Russian oil has neared an Indian port operated by Adani and will likely be one of the last blacklisted vessels to unload there after a ban took effect https://t.co/ru6w6BKdbH ...