UK privately pressing US to ease Iran sanctions: Report

by Tauqeer Abbas
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The British government is pressing the United States to ease its sanctions against Iran amid a coronaviorus outbreak in the country which has infected thousands of people, says a report.

The Guardian newspaper claimed in a report published on its website on Wednesday that UK authorities were privately negotiating with Washington for a respite to Iran sanctions.

The report did not elaborate on any further details, neither was there any mention of sources corroborating the claims.

However, the reported British drive to have US ease its sanctions against Iran comes against the backdrop of similar calls by other countries who believe Washington’s unilateral bans are hampering Iran’s efforts to fight the coronavirus epidemic.

China on Monday said a continuation of US sanctions on Iran in the current circumstances was “against humanitarianism”. Authorities in the country said Washington had to remove the sanctions to allow Iran access drugs and medical gear needed to battle the spread of the coronavirus.

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Iranian health authorities said on Wednesday that some 17,361 people have tested positive for coronavirus since the infection was spotted in the country on February 19. Some 5,710 patients have recovered while a total of 1,135 have died of the illness.

UK’s reported move to have Iran sanctions eased comes as the country has contributed to European efforts to help Tehran in the fight against coronavirus.

It also comes amid reports that London has finally agreed to settle a long-running financial dispute with Iran which is related to a weapons purchase deal that took place before the Islamic revolution of 1979.

Commentators believe the settlement could open the door for more cooperation between Iran and the United Kingdom, especially on a series of security cases related to dual nationals jailed inside Iran.

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