Wednesday is quite colourful regarding headlines about the heated saga U.S.-Iran. Express has the bravery to declare “World War 3“, after Iran took part in defensive drills across the country on the same day US President Donald Trump imposed though sanctions on the country. It features top 10 safest countries if WW3 breaks out.
Top 10 safest countries if WW3 breaks out
The Jerusalem Post covers similar topic, highlighting that according to a new report from the US Department of Defence, Iranian forces in Syria may present a threat to the US.
VOA statеs that Tehran should eventually withdraw all Iran-commanded forces from Syria. Ambassador James Jeffrey said that Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers that President Donald Trump pulled America out of in May had a bad effect on Iran’s behavior that “accelerated its activities.”
Iran enjoys influence in several countries in the region where it backs well-armed militias that are deployed in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen. Speaking about Iran’s future in Syria, Jeffrey said: “Iranians are part of the problem not part of the solution.”
Jeffrey said the Trump administration is now focusing on putting financial pressure on Iran and “secondly contesting more actively Iran’s activities particularly in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.”
Reuters informs us about how ordinary Iranians vent anger at the corruption of a privileged few as economic pressure rise. The targets are the rich and powerful, including clerics, diplomats, officials and their families.
In another article the focus is on China’s unwillingness to sell jetliners to Iran, because Iran is no longer “on the table”. Zhao Yuerang, general manager of manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac), told Reuters: “No, we cannot sell to Iran. Iran is off the table.”
Reuters- Iranians vent anger on the rich
Reuters- China refuses to sell jetliners to Iran
South Korea, on the other hand, wants to keep its relations with Iran despite the US sanctions on Tehran and both countries have agreed to switch to national currencies in trade exchange, RT reports. The countries also agreed to make payments and settle their financial and banking accounts using the South Korean national currency, the won. That will allow South Korean and Iranian companies to continue their extensive exchanges in various fields.
RT – Iran and South Korea agree cross-currency trade
Both RT and Zero Hedge report on the Belgium-based financial messaging service, SWIFT, announcing the suspension of several Iranian banks from its service, shortly after Trump reimposed nuclear sanctions on Tehran on November 5. SWIFT’s decision has further undermined EU efforts to maintain trade with Iran and save an international deal with Tehran to curtail its nuclear program. Being cut off from SWIFT makes it difficult for Iran to get paid for exports and to pay for imports, mostly of oil.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin warned SWIFT it could be penalized if it doesn’t cut off financial services to entities and individuals doing business with Iran. However, by complying with Washington, SWIFT now faces the threat of punitive action from Brussels.
Mehr News Agency ‘s article is based on the words of French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who described the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) as “the financial instrument of Europe’s independence”. He also argued that the SPV will add significantly to making the euro as powerful as the dollar, a task that he said should also be implemented by deepening the Eurozone’s capital markets and creating a single budget.
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